Notts County put on a dominant display against Solihull Moors, with Adam Chicksen's second-half strike enough to secure a 1-0 win and maintain their unbeaten start to the National League season, while leapfrogging above their opponents in the process.
The Magpies squandered a number of glorious chances in the first half, and looked set to rue those missed opportunities until the 65th minute, when Matty Palmer's looping cross was volleyed home by Zimbabwean.
But it was a half of frustration in the opening 45 minutes. After dominating the possession, Notts had a number of chances to open the scoring, with Ruben Rodrigues seeing his effort brilliantly cleared off the line by James Clarke.
READ MORE: Notts County team news as Williams makes Rodrigues decision vs Solihull Moors
Moments before the half-time whistle, Notts were presented with another glorious chance, this time Cedwyn Scott chose to backheel the ball after rounding 'keeper Louie Moulden in search of Macaulay Langstaff, that partnership we saw at Halifax not quite there this afternoon.
And the trend of the game continued in to the second half, with Neal Ardley's side rarely threatening Sam Slocombe's goal throughout
The Magpies continued to bang on the door, with Langstaff played clean through on goal by Rodrigues, but Clarke was on hand once again to deny a certain goal with another excellent clearance.
But just after the hour-mark, Luke Williams' side finally had their goal. After a neat spell of possession, a looped cross into the box by Palmer found Chicksen unmarked at the back post, who finished it brilliantly and sent a sigh of relief around the Meadow Lane faithful.
And the hosts continued to dominate and looked to further their advantage, with Kairo Mitchell and Jim O'Brien going close in the final stages, but a single goal was all that won it, with the league's top scorers before the game unable to replicate their 3-3 draw in their last fixture against each other.
Following the game, here is how we rated the Notts players.
Sam Slocombe - 6
Rarely troubled in the opening half but almost presented Solihull with the opener after playing a loose pass into midfield.
Richard Brindley - 7
Was the pick of the defenders with yet another composed and comfortable display. He continually looked to play forward, and drove out of defence with the ball to get his team up the pitch.
Aden Baldwin - 6
Came through two games in three days no problem, and looked a lot more comfortable today. Still the odd overhit ball and misplaced pass, but other than that, a solid display.
Kyle Cameron - 6
Was rarely troubled throughout the whole game, defending well with his positioning allowing him to keep up with the pace of Joe Sbarra and Andrew Dallas.
Aaron Nemane - 7
Was a consistent threat throughout the match with his speed and directness. I'm sure Ben Coker will have nightmares about him this evening.
Adam Chicksen - 6
Not his finest performance, but finished his chance extremely well when under pressure. Lacked that quality at times in the wide position, but the goal seemed to energise him and he looked more and more dangerous as the game went on.
Matty Palmer - 7
Another really good performance in midfield, winning tackles, tireless running and composed passing allowed the Magpies to control the game in all areas of the pitch, whilst also grabbing an assist with an inch-perfect cross.
Geraldo Bajrami - 8
Performed well in a more advanced central midfield role. Offers similar traits to O'Brien, but is slightly quicker on his feet and comfortable on the ball when closed down.
Ruben Rodrigues - 7
After his absence at the weekend, Rodrigues looked like his normal self again, driving Notts forward and creating chances for the strikers and was unlucky not to find himself on the scoresheet.
Macaulay Langstaff - 6
Missed a glorious opportunity in the first half when one on one with the Solihull 'keeper but there is no denying his work rate, chasing every loose ball and being a real nuisance all afternoon.
Cedwyn Scott - 5
Not his day unfortunately, with two games in three days maybe playing its part. Squandered a huge opportunity at 0-0 when opting to backheel the ball rather than finishing it.
SUBS:
Sam Austin - 6
His introduction provided energy and tenacity, just the type of player you don't want to play against when having already played 60 minutes against a side that have dominated you.
Kairo Mitchell - N/A
A late change for Macaulay Langstaff in the final ten minutes.
Jim O'Brien - N/A
Another late change, replacing Bajrami in midfield.
