Ardley hails County’s preparation after last-gasp win

Posted Sunday, November 10, 2019 by PA

Neal Ardley admitted it was a case of practice makes perfect for Notts County after reaching the FA Cup second round with a last-gasp 3-2 win at Ebbsfleet.

A brace from Kyle Wootton – the first controversially awarded by the linesman – had put the Magpies 2-1 ahead before Gozie Ugwu equalised for Ebbsfleet from the penalty spot in the 89th minute.

But Ben Turner’s injury-time header denied Fleet a replay and County boss Ardley stressed the work his team puts in on the training ground proved the difference.

“I haven’t seen our first goal back, so I can’t say whether it was in or not,” he said. “All I know is that was a corner routine we’ve practiced a lot on the training pitch, so I’m delighted.

“The boys go right to the end. We do a lot on fitness and they had a hard running session on Thursday, but they don’t moan. That kind of thing pays off for us late in games.”

Ebbsfleet had initially taken the lead through Josh Payne’s wonder strike.

And manager Kevin Watson said: “It’s always disappointing to lose it late. I think to a large extent, what we worked on tactically worked a treat. Our shape was excellent all the way through.

“We have to take a little heart from it, because they were on good form and it was an extremely close game. We need to stop conceding goals.”