McParland was named Magpies boss in October 2007

Notts County manager Ian McParland was delighted with his team's display in Tuesday's 3-2 friendly defeat against Championship side Derby County.

"It was a great performance," he told BBC Radio Nottingham. "Derby are a good team and have spent a lot of money.

"We worked hard to close them down but it wasn't just us closing them down.

"There were certain times they were chasing us about as well. We created as many clear-cut chances as they did - maybe more."

Notts took the lead when Jay McEveley put through his own net but Steve Davies profited from a poor backpass to draw Derby level.

Robbie Savage's looping cross deceived keeper Kevin Pilkington to put the visitors ahead.

Luke Rodgers converted a pass from Lee Hughes to make it 2-2 but Commons grabbed the winner with another mis-hit cross.

McParland added: "Pre-season friendlies mean nothing. It's all about getting the fitness and me getting the right team that will start the game against Bradford City [opening fixture of next season].

"We've been going since July 1st and I'm close to getting to know where we are at."

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