Notts County ensured they maintained their unbeaten record in the National League against Woking, coming away 3-2 winners and remaining top after a much improved second half performance against Darren Sarll's side.
Three first half goals: a Ruben Rodrigues penalty and a Cedwyn Scott brace handed the Magpies a two-goal cushion after James Daly pulled one back for the visitors in what was a half dominated by the home side.
But Notts were more comfortable in the second half, producing a number of opportunities to put the game beyond the Cardinals but were unsuccessful in doing so.
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And it was a nervy final five minutes for Luke Williams' side, with Woking awarded a penalty after a handball in the Magpies box, which Reece Grego-Cox placed beyond Sam Slocombe.
But in the end, Notts did enough to hold on for the three points and stay top of the National League, moving six points ahead of Chesterfield following their 2-1 defeat to Eastleigh.
Despite their slow start, a brilliant attacking move from Notts saw Rodrigues pick out Adam Chicksen on the left-hand side with the full-back breaking into the box before being tripped in the area. Rodrigues stepped up and confidently sent Craig Ross the wrong way after a difficult opening ten minutes.
And the visitors found themselves two goals up five minutes later, with Chicksen involved again and picking out an inch-perfect cross for Scott to divert goalward, rounding off a free-flowing move from Williams' side.
But Woking eventually got the goal their performance merited, with Daly pouncing on a mistake from Sam Slocombe, closing the ball down with the clearance ricocheting off the midfielder and into the net.
The home side continued to dominate but were undone again just before half-time, with Scott grabbing his second of the afternoon, reacting well to Rodrigues' initial effort which bounced kindly for the Notts number 19 to slot home his sixth goal of the season.
The visitors created a number of chances for the second half, with Macaulay Langstaff having the best of those efforts, unable to find the target like he has done this season.
Woking made it an uncomfortable final five minutes for the Magpies, with handball given by Sam Mulhall to which Grego-Cox converted.
Following the game, this is how we rated Notts players this afternoon:
Sam Slocombe - 6
Was at fault for Woking's first goal, trying to play out from the back and taking slightly too long in possession of the ball. Was much improved in the second half and commanded his area well.
Kyle Cameron - 6
Not his usual composed self all afternoon, struggling against the runs in behind from Reece Grego-Cox and Amond. Disposed of his face mask in the second half whether that contributed to his performance.
Connell Rawlinson - 7
The pick of the back three, producing a dominant display in the middle of the trio. Was aerially strong all afternoon and was crisp with his passing into midfield.
Richard Brindley - 6
Was rarely troubled all afternoon but was a performance that nothing too special came from. Was calm and composed on the ball but was caught out on a couple of occasions in behind.
Adam Chicksen - 8
A constant outlet for the Magpies and was a major part of the opening two goals, winning the penalty before providing for Scott to tap home.
Aaron Nemane - 7
Was a continuous threat down the right-hand side, producing a number of driving runs and driving into some excellent positions to produce some dangerous opportunities.
Geraldo Bajrami - 7
A real battling performance from the midfielder, producing a number of challenges in midfield to break up the Woking attacks forward. He will be a big player for Williams in the coming weeks if O'Brien's injury is a serious one.
Matty Palmer - 6
Not his finest performance in a Notts shirt. Looked tired following an intense game in midweek, normally composed in midfield he was often heavy with his first touch and loose with his passing. Hopefully a one off.
Ruben Rodrigues - 7
Showed great composure for his penalty, he never looked like missing from 12 yards. Was continually trying to link the play from attack to midfield and particularly impressive with his work rate to win the ball back in midfield.
Cedwyn Scott - 9
Was the Magpies' best player this afternoon. Worked tirelessly in pressing the ball and after saying he wanted to add more goals to his game earlier this week, Scott provided with two instinctive finishes. Produced a number of key interceptions in midfield and worked hard to win the ball back in deep positions.
Macaulay Langstaff - 6
Was one of his quieter afternoons in a Notts shirt. There was no denying his work rate, but his runs were well tracked by the Woking defence and rarely had the chance to fire an effort on target.
SUBS:
Kairo Mitchell - 6
Rarely touched the ball during his cameo but worked extremely hard to keep the ball in the Woking area late on.
Sam Austin - 6
Worked hard in midfield but was unable to make a mark on the game in his appearance.
Quevin Castro - 6
Was a late change for Matty Palmer in midfield.
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