Despite an exodus of almost 2,500 Imps arriving in deepest, darkest
On an afternoon where City slipped helplessly out of the automatic promotion places, John Schofield's men abandoned their eloquent passing game for the panicked, hoof-ball approach more familiar of a City side of 12 months ago.
Add to that the equally disappointing performance of referee Uriah Rennie, as well as the first-half dismissal of top-scorer, Jamie Forrester, and it's easy to see how the Imps' faithful had so precious little to cheer on the short trip home.
Despite defeat, here's your comprehensive match ratings from yesterday's game:
Match Ratings out of 10 (average – 6).
Alan Marriott – Helpless for all three goals, Marriott was left constantly exposed by the leaky defence in front of him. The Imps' custodian will feel hugely let down – and rightly so – considering noises from the club this week suggesting our defensive frailties were now resolved – 6.
Paul Mayo (N'Guessan '45) – After playing a starring role in the reverse fixture, Mayo looked vulnerable against a rampant David Pipe down the Magpies' right-hand side. The one-time 
Adie Moses – Looked to struggle with the energy of Notts' front-two, best illustrated when dragging down Lawrie Dudfield to luckily escape giving way a second-half penalty – 5.5.
Nat Brown –Was not the first, and certainly not the last defender to fall victim to Jason Lee's rough and ready approach, having been felled for the Magpies' second goal. Taken out of his comfort zone when thrown up-front late on, winning a penalty for the side – 6.
Lee Beevers – The best of a bad bunch at the back, with his energy and passion to seeing the Welsh under-21 cap thrive where many of his team-mates fell by the wayside. 7.
Jeff Hughes – A timid display from the
Lee Frecklington (Eaden '73) – Again menaced from set-pieces, but was overrun with an underperforming Scott Kerr alongside him. Nevertheless, the midfielder appeared energetic as ever, and was unlucky to hit the side netting from close range late in the first half. Was ultimately replaced mid-way through the second-half – 6.5.
Scott Kerr – Appeared completely overawed by a physical Magpies side, struggling to provide any real solution to Jason Lee and Lawrie Dudfield dropping deep into midfield from the Magpies' front-line. Conceded possession frivolously, and missed a penalty to confirm the Imps' sorrows. 5.
Ryan Amoo – Anonymous display from the winger, offering precious little to the game. 5.
Jamie Forrester – Constantly frustrated by County's physical approach, something which was summed up late in the first-half when he lashed out at former Boston United man, Austin McCann. 5.
Mark Stallard (Weir-Daley '77) – Produced moments of real promise, but was unfortunate to miss four first half-chances for the Imps. Stallard's frustration epitomised a miserable afternoon for City – 6.
Substitutes:
Dany N'Guessan (Mayo '45) – Appeared energetic upon arrival, providing an injection of real enterprise that will offer much hope for the future. The Frenchman can now expect a run in the side in Forrester's absence – something which I, amongst others, am relishing. 6.5.
Nicky Eaden (Frecklington '73) – Provided a steadying influence down the right-hand side, with his wealth of experience a welcome return for the Imps following his deadline day move back to Sincil Bank – 6.
Spencer Weir-Daley (Stallard '77) – Like N'Guessan, the young striker offered great energy upon his introduction and took his goal well to set up an interesting last few minutes – 6.
Despite the best efforts of the City players, John Schofield's men looked helpless to resist the Magpies' physical onslaught, as
In all, County looked good value for their victory, leaving City desperately indeed of regrouping ahead of Saturday's visit of bottom-side, Torquay United.
Imps' star man: Lee Beevers.