It was the battle between 3rd and 4th as Notts County faced Accrington Stanley at home. This game proved to be a tight affair as both teams came into it in fantastic form, with both teams unbeaten in their last 3 games. However, after an end to end affair, County managed to win 3-1 after goals from Dan Crowley and two from Macaulay Langstaff earned them three points, sending the Magpies to the top of the table.
Notts arrived into this fixture unchanged with Aidan Stone in goal, a back three of Rawlinson, Brindley and Cameron. Jones and Nemane were wing backs with Bostock and Palmer playing the “double pivot” in central midfield. This left the attacking three off Crowley, McGoldrick and Langstaff who looked to build on great performances over the last few games. However, Notts needed to be more clinical after last week’s close ending at home to Tranmere, to ensure a comfortable victory.
It was a usual high-intensity start from the Magpies, looking to break through the solid Stanley defensive line. After Stone was called into early action having to deal with a cross, Notts eventually got their reward with Jodi Jones sending a fantastic cross, meeting the head of Dan Crowley which ended in the back of the net. Throughout the season so far, Jones has been a constant threat with his crossing ability, placing balls directly onto Notts’ heads, which result in goals. However, Jones did see a yellow card in the 23rd minute, followed by an attempt by McGoldrick shortly after. However against the run of play, Accrington sent a free kick over to the back post where Josh Andrews replied with a header of his own, looping up and over Aidan Stone into the back of the net.
Notts players seemed to have tired towards the end of the half- a result of the hard work they had already put in. This gave Accrington more spells of possession where chances began to test the Magpie’s defence. The closest opportunity saw Aidan Stone called into action once again with a fantastic one on one save from Andrews in the 2nd minute of first half added time. This proved to be the final attempt of the first half with both teams going into half time a goal a piece. It was a tough half against a top opposition but Notts need to find a way through if they wanted to win.
It did not take long for Notts to start threatening, with talisman Macaulay Langstaff going close on two occasions in the 50th minute and again on the 52nd minute, drawing a save from goalkeeper Savin. Accrington did have their chance 12 minutes later before the scoreline swung in Notts’ favour, following a deserved goal by Langstaff. He received the ball, working it onto his left foot, and unleashed a fantastic strike into the top corner to make it 2-1 to County. Notts needed to control the game now and make sure they did not make any costly mistakes.
Accrington once again had a massive chance, drawing a save from Stone, making up for a missed pass into Palmer. The resultant corner was glanced over the bar. Stanley began to pile on the pressure to achieve an equaliser. However in the 90th minute, Macaulay Langstaff scored his second goal of the game after chipping the ball over Savin in front of the Kop, assisted with an incisive pass from Matt Palmer. This goal looked to have secured all three points for the Magpies, deflating the hopes of a late equaliser. From that point onwards, Notts managed to see out the 3-1 victory in style, showcasing their fantastic football. The referee brought the game to a close with Notts winning 3-1, in comfortable style at the end.
It was once again a fantastic, resilient performance from Notts who were made to work hard to achieve their victory. The consistency of the squad shown over recent games has shone through as Notts have deservedly taken the top spot in the league table. Accrington had their chances but Aidan Stone looks to have grown in confidence since the start of the season, denying them. Notts County now face one of their toughest fixtures of the season away to MK Dons next Saturday, which will be the battle between the top two. Overall, a well-earned victory with the squad showing improvement and quality in all areas of the pitch.
Starting 11: 26 Stone - 5 Rawlinson (68’), 2 Brindley (yellow card), 4 Cameron - 11 Nemane (80’) (yellow card), 16 Bostock,18 Palmer, 10 Jones (yellow card), 7 Crowley (80’) - 9 Langstaff, 17 McGoldrick (71’)
Substitutions: 15 Baldwin (68’), 23 Chicksen (71’), 8 Austin (80’), 21 Adebayo (80’)
Not Used: 1 Slocombe, 6 O’Brien' 27 Morias
Attendance: 9,846 (244)