Luke Williams highlighted the performance of midfielder Jim O'Brien as 'outstanding' during Notts County's 2-0 win over Altrincham on Tuesday evening, while also welcoming the return of defender, Richard Brindley.
The Magpies returned to the top of the National League table following the victory at the J. Davidson Stadium, with Macaulay Langstaff's record-breaking 40th goal of the campaign followed by Ruben Rodrigues' second-half penalty providing the perfect sign-off ahead of a 10-day break before their Easter double header.
With three games in the space of 10 days, Williams calculated his substitutes to ensure his most important players were well-rested ahead of their return to league action.
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Rodrigues was substituted shortly after putting his side two goals in front, with Williams explaining the reasoning behind the change after the full-time whistle.
"He was tight, and I think because the surface can give way a little bit, of course, it's natural at this time of year, and with the rain that we had, it's actually all things considered the pitch is very good.
"But it's impossible for the amount of volume of rain it has had and games that have been played, so when you slip a lot you can start to put extra effort in, but he felt a tightness in his hamstring - he was able to start the second half and then we could get him off so hopefully, we have stopped it from being a little more serious."
Rodrigues' replacement came in the shape of Jim O'Brien who was one of two changes made by the Notts head coach following the win over Scunthorpe at the weekend.
The experienced midfielder was one of the standout performers in their win over the Iron but was replaced by Sam Austin in the starting line-up on Tuesday evening, but his introduction helped Notts control the game on the difficult playing surface in North Manchester.
"Outstanding, really outstanding," the Notts head coach said on the impact O'Brien had on ensuring the three points returned to Meadow Lane.
"I thought the performance that he made against Scunthorpe at home was exceptional, and then when he came on into a game where in one moment the game could change because the pitch is tight as well and the way they played so many challenging balls behind the line, Jim helped us take control of the game."
With Williams often freshening up his starting line-up this season, the decision to replace O'Brien was another difficult one, but he was on hand to explain his reasoning behind the decision.
"With Jim, I try to protect him because he is now a senior player, and of course, we have to remember that we have really good options, so sometimes you can play so well in the team and then another guy comes in because he is really ready and rested - Jim has done just brilliantly again tonight."
Having welcomed Richard Brindley back into the matchday squad for the win over the Iron on Saturday, the defender made his first appearance for Notts since their 1-1 draw with Boreham Wood at the start of January, replacing Connell Rawlinson after picking up an early yellow card following an altercation with an Altrincham player during the first half.
The break in fixtures this close to the end of the campaign was welcomed by the Notts boss prior to the win over Altrincham, with Aden Baldwin, Cedwyn Scott, and Junior Morias all expected to return from their respective injury troubles in the coming days.
"It is a very welcome boost for us, but first of all Connell Rawlinson was outstanding, but he picked up a booking which was a worry for me.
"With two defenders on the pitch with yellow cards there could be one action when the ball gets away from you and you make a rash decision and then you can be sent off and then we suffer a lot then.
"It was natural to get Brinds some minutes on the pitch and now we can get the maximum players back for the last few games."
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