Neal Ardley hails Notts County’s character - 7M sport

Neal Ardley hails Notts County’s character



Posted Sunday, April 07, 2019 by PA

Neal Ardley hails Notts County’s character

Neal Ardley praised Notts County’s spirit after his side rescued a point in unenviable circumstances during their 2-2 draw with Northampton.

Despite being a goal and a man down in the second half, Kane Hemmings’ equaliser could prove invaluable as County seek League Two survival.

And although County remain 23rd in the table, in the bottom two on goal difference, Ardley was delighted with his team’s resolve.

“We had to respect the point today and we did that,” he said.

“Every point is vital with our goal difference. It is a good point, the team is playing well and giving it their all. You cannot ask for more.

“The character of the team was terrific, it is a million miles away from when we first arrived.

“All we can do is keep fighting and the boys have done that. There will be plenty of twists and turns still to come and we know that.

“We knew Northampton would come out and be a wounded animal.”

In a thrilling game, Mitchell Rose’s long-distance beauty for the hosts in the 26th minute was cancelled out just before half-time by Daniel Powell.

And when goalkeeper Ryan Schofield was sent off minutes before Sam Hoskins put Northampton ahead, another defeat appeared to be looming for County.

But Ardley was ecstatic with his side’s ability to claw their way back into the game.

He added: “It was an unbelievable second half, we lost our keeper and they score with a deflected free-kick and we are chasing the game.

“It is easy to think that it is not going to be our day but the way we got back into it was fantastic.

“Ross (Fitzsimons) did brilliantly when he came on, that is what you train for – to be ready when you are called upon.”

Meanwhile, Northampton boss Keith Curle is already looking forward to building a platform for next season after the point kept his side comfortably in mid-table.

“It takes time to get the team playing how you want them to play,” he said.

“If the fundamentals are not right then you find yourself at the wrong end of the division.

“We will carry on working hard. The atmosphere in the group is good and the focus and understanding on what needs working on is there.

“The concentration has been good this week, the players have listened and implemented the changes that we are looking to bring in.

“We have five games to go where we still need to perform and put a platform down to take the club forward.

“We have to play when we have the chance to play and that is a message that can go into any dressing room.”

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