When Notts County manager Luke Williams spoke to BBC Radio Nottinghamshire after today’s defeat, you’d imagine he would appear a very angry figure following a hefty defeat in their first fixture back in the EFL…
However, the 42-year-old revealed he is actually “genuinely delighted” that his side did not concede double figures, as they were thrashed 5-1 by Sutton United in their opening League Two fixture.
Back in the fourth tier for the first time since their relegation in 2018/19, many had tipped County for back-to-back promotions this season, but any pre-season hopes came crashing down to Earth when the Nottinghamshire side fell behind after 100 seconds.
Things would go from bad to worse at Gander Green Lane, as goalkeeper Aidan Stone was sent off on his debut for bringing down Scott Kashket following a poor back pass, but Williams was adamant the red card would have changed nothing about his “pathetic” side’s performance in the capital.
The Magpies did actually enjoy the lion’s share of possession, but could only muster three shots on target throughout the ninety minutes, leaving the Englishman equally frustrated and relieved that they were not handed further embarrassment by the U’s.
Former Swindon Town manager Williams praised the travelling support, believing that if the fans had played instead, they would have won.
Williams’ comments
Speaking after a difficult day, the 42-year-old said: “We were actually really lucky today to get away with what we got away with, because we were pathetic.
“We completely bottled it.
“I’m genuinely delighted that we’ve come away without it being double figures.”
“We froze and played with zero conviction, hesitated on everything and we’re second to the chase when the ball goes in the channel, then timid to mark somebody and just weak.
On how much the early red card impacted proceedings, he added: “It didn’t change anything one bit and if anyone else tells you differently, they’re lying to you, because they [Sutton] did exactly the same things they had been doing since minute one, played forward really quickly and brilliantly, and we made error after error after error, and we were weak, and it had absolutely zero to do with a player being sent off.”
“If they played, we would have won,” Williams said about the 1200 travelling Notts supporters.
“Did you see how they competed? Did you hear how they competed? They would have won today, I need to put them on the pitch.”
Writer’s View
It is certainly a reality check for Luke Williams and his Notts County side, who joined fellow promoted side Wrexham in conceding five on the opening day.
Every team is allowed a bad result, but the players must now show this is only a blip in what I believe will still be a highly successful seasons for the ‘Pies.
They have the perfect opportunity to bounce back in front of their home fans on Tuesday night, in what should be a great atmosphere in the Carabao Cup first round against Lincoln City, who also may be feeling a little low on confidence following a 3-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers.
