Crossley: Notts County players missed chance to impress new boss Kewell

Posted Sunday, September 02, 2018 by PA

Mark Crossley says his Notts County players passed up a free shot at impressing new manager Harry Kewell after they slumped to a 3-1 home defeat to Forest Green.

County sacked Kevin Nolan last week after a dismal start to the season and hired Kewell from Crawley.

The Australian was sat in the stands to see his new players for the first time but goals from Liam Shephard, Reuben Reid and Dayle Grubb condemned them to defeat.

“It’s been a hectic week and we did as much as we could on the training ground to prepare them,” coach Crossley said.

“We were ready for it, but when you cross the line when it matters you need to show grit and determination and the players have said they didn’t do that.

“I said to them before the game that it was a freebie and that they had to go and express themselves and impress the new manager.

“We had to get on the front foot and just didn’t do it.

“We went down to 10 men and we looked the better team, but for it to be 10 men to do that, it means something isn’t right.

“We will be working on Sunday morning. The new manager is excited by the challenge because he thinks we have got some really good players.

“Luckily enough we are only six games in.”

Shephard lashed the opener past keeper Ross Fitzsimons in the first half but it was the second period where the game came to life.

County’s Dan Jones was sent off for a two-footed tackle and Reid made it two for the visitors shortly after he capitalised on some poor defending.

Jon Stead got one back for County but Grubb curled in a superb shot to finish things and preserve Rovers’ unbeaten start.

“We knew we had the players who could score,” said boss Mark Cooper.

“It’s a fantastic result because Notts County is a tough place to come at any time. I am sure they will improve from here on in.

“But I didn’t think we were at our best. I knew they would put pressure on us when they brought Jon Stead on and he’s probably still the best in the lower two divisions at getting the ball down in the box and twisting and scoring.

“I went for a pragmatic team and left the wide players out because of everything that has been happening at Notts in the last week because we knew it would be hard.

“We wanted players who could stay in the game because I knew at some point we would have the chance to score.

“I am really pleased with the result and it keeps our unbeaten run going in the league.”