Notts County BCD

[LewisBAFC1901]

Lost 2-1 v Notts County

[saltcellar]

Behind Closed Doors Fixture vs Notts County (A)
8 minutes ago
Barrow were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Notts County in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Meadow Lane on Tuesday afternoon, with Innes Cameron on target for the Bluebirds.

The fixture provided another valuable test against strong opposition as Adam Murray's side continued their preparations ahead of the new National League season.


Barrow started brightly and fashioned the first opening inside six minutes when Ben Whitfield burst in behind down the right before forcing Kelle Roos into a smart save.


Whitfield was involved again three minutes later as Cameron's relentless pressing won possession high up the pitch. The striker delivered an inviting cross from the left, but Whitfield's header drifted over the crossbar.


The hosts gradually grew into the contest and Barrett was called into action on several occasions. The goalkeeper produced an excellent stop from the edge of the area before making another fine save moments later after Notts County worked an opening down the right. The home side also struck the upright during a sustained spell of pressure.


Barrow continued to pose a threat themselves, with Danny Rose holding the ball up superbly before turning two defenders on the edge of the box, only to see strong appeals for a penalty waved away.


The visitors also created opportunities from a succession of set pieces, while Trialist A produced an impressive run and cross after beating two defenders, although the final touch couldn't be found.


The first half ended goalless after an evenly contested opening 45 minutes, with both sides creating opportunities in a competitive encounter.


Notts County changed their entire outfield side at the break, introducing a fresh XI for the second period.


Barrow continued to threaten from dead-ball situations early in the second half, with Whitfield delivering a pair of dangerous free-kicks, while Daniel Amos also got forward well from the left to create a crossing opportunity.


The breakthrough arrived just after the hour mark when a long ball over the top found its way through for the hosts, allowing Lee Ndlovu to finish with a composed lob over Barrett to put Notts County ahead.


The Bluebirds responded positively and were back on level terms five minutes later. Whitfield beat his marker brilliantly down the left before driving into the penalty area and squaring for Cameron, who calmly converted from close range to make it 1-1.


Notts County regained the lead with 16 minutes remaining after capitalising on a turnover in midfield. The move ended with former Bluebird Emile Acquah applying the finishing touch from close range.


Barrow thought they had earned a chance to equalise late on when Rose won the ball from Aden Flint inside the area and appeared to be brought down, but the referee instead awarded a free-kick to the hosts and booked the striker.


Acquah struck the post in the closing stages as Notts County searched for a third, while Barrow continued to battle until the final whistle but were unable to find a second equaliser.


The afternoon provided another competitive workout against quality opposition as preparations continue ahead of the 2026/27 National League campaign.

[chipmunx]

Sounds like it was mainly a run out for the players that didn't start against Blackpool - apart from Amos who needs game time after his injury.
Nice to see another goal from big Innes and assist from Whitfield.

[behind the goals]

Good match report wonder if the 2 potential new signings were involved.

[saltcellar]

We have had 3 decent performances against league 1 sides Mansfield, Blackpool and Notts County.
Let's hope that bodes well for the coming season.

[Jonty]

Emile Acquah has landed himself a good move there.

[Bakewell Blue]

I see County have just sold Jatta to a club in Portugal, presumably for a big fee. Not sure Emile is good enough to replace him. He scored some cracking goals for us, but not consistently (although he would have been better than the options we had up front last season).