Having had to wait 27 games and 1156 minutes for his first league goal, two in 90 minutes may have been the reason for Sam Austin's infectious smile as he returned to the touchline following the full-time whistle.
The Magpies midfielder scored twice in his side's 4-0 win over Southend on Tuesday evening, adding to his four goals scored in cup competitions already this season.
But both of his finishes did not replicate a man yet to find the net in the league however, showing the desire to get on the end of John Bostock's teasing ball into the area, before firing an effort into the roof of the net seven minutes from time in front his adoring fans inside the Kop.
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"I'm absolutely delighted to get the league goals," said Austin.
"I have been working hard to get into those positions and I am glad that hard work is paying off, and it's all about the three points tonight."
There was arguably no more popular goal-scorer than the 26-year-old, with his teammates circling around him as he put Luke Williams' side two goals in front five minutes after Macaulay Langstaff's opener.
The performance was regarded as one of the most complete displays we have seen from this remarkable group of players this season, with concerns of a slight drop-off put to the sword, and in some style.
Ahead of kick-off, the fixture was earmarked as one of the toughest in this hectic run of games, with the league's highest scorers presented with the task of breaking down the division's toughest defence, with Austin highlighting the difficulty the visitors offered his side during the encounter.
"It was a much better performance than the last couple of games, but Southend made it really tough for us, especially in the second half.
"They came out with a bit more energy and I think we managed the game really well towards the end."
The result saw the Magpies net four goals for the third consecutive game in a row, maintaining their five-point gap at the top of the table but further improving their goal difference, with five goals now separating them and second-placed Wrexham.
And while the midfielder is relishing the opportunity of playing in this free-scoring side, he was quick to highlight the importance of every member of the squad and their involvement in the victory.
"This team is great, but it's not just the 11 players out there, it is the whole squad.
"If you look at the players that came off the bench today, they didn't look out of place and they played a vital role in the win this evening."
This weekend brings to an end a gruelling run of fixtures having played seven times since the end of January, with two weeks of Tuesday, and Saturday matches, with a break welcomed by Austin following their fixture with Dagenham and Redbridge in front of the BT Sport cameras this weekend.
"It's been a busy period, but it's vital that we get our recovery in now and make sure we are ready for Saturday."
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