Notts County moved four points clear at the top of the National League following a 2-0 win over Gateshead at Meadow Lane.
In a first half that lacked real quality, the Magpies found the breakthrough three minutes before half-time, Ed Francis on his return to the side seeing his deflected effort wrong-foot Dan Langley.
And the scoring was rounded off just after the hour-mark when Kyle Cameron's looping header found Ruben Rodrigues on the line to tap home his seventh goal of the campaign.
READ MORE: Notts County team news as Luke Williams names his side to take on Gateshead
Ahead of kick-off, County boss Luke Williams made three changes to the side that beat Maidenhead at the weekend, with Aaron Nemane, Ed Francis and Sam Austin coming in to replace Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, Jim O'Brien and Quevin Castro.
The first half at Meadow Lane was one many inside the ground will want to forget with overhit passes and a lack of intensity in possession frustrating those in attendance.
Many could have been thinking a repeat of their last home game, a goalless draw against Yeovil, was be on the cards, but Notts eventually found the breakthrough with the game's first real moment of quality.
Gateshead gave the ball away in midfield, sparking a sweeping counter-attack which saw Nemane's shot blocked by a Heed defender, only for the ball to fall into the path of Francis. whose deflected effort deceived Dan Langley at his near post.
The second half continued in similar fashion, but Notts would have to wait just 16 minutes to see their lead doubled when Rodrigues poked home Cameron's towering header at the far post.
And the score could have been made more emphatic minutes later when Nemane brilliantly wriggled clear of two Gateshead defenders only to flash his shot across the penalty box.
There was one sour note for Notts with Macaulay Langstaff forced off the field in the 70th minute after initially trying to carry on after sustaining a heavy challenge.
Here is how we rated Notts this evening.
Sam Slocombe - 6
Rarely troubled all evening, but held a good position all game to relieve the pressure from Gateshead's long balls.
Kyle Cameron - 7
Was nullified going forward in the first half, but with Chicksen going off, allowed him to become more of a threat in forward areas and provide his fourth assist in two games.
Aden Baldwin - 6
Comfortable all evening against Danny Elliott and won a number of 'professional fouls' in his own half to relieve the pressure from Gateshead.
Richard Brindley - 6
Guilty of taking too long in possession of the ball and causing Notts some unnecessary situations in their own half. Rarely troubled in the second period, however.
Adam Chicksen - 6
Gave everyone a scare after going down in the first half, but continued to be an outlet and trooped on. Replaced at half time which may indicate the severity of his injury.
Aaron Nemane - 7
Lacked that confidence to attack his man during the first half, but grew into the game in the second period, providing that missing quality and almost capped a fantastic solo run with a emphatic finish.
Ed Francis - 7
Got his goal albeit with the aid of a deflection, but lack of match sharpness was evident as he gave the ball away on a number of occasions in midfield in the first half, but was much better in the second before he was substituted.
Matty Palmer - 6
Not his best night in a Notts shirt, guilty of giving away possession on a number of occasions and was slow on the ball. Hopefully a one off for the midfield general.
Sam Austin - 7.5
Was the one player looking to create in the first half with a number of incisive passes in behind. Was a continual threat and almost notched a goal late on.
Ruben Rodrigues - 6.5
A largely quiet evening for Rodrigues, but managed to get his goal after great anticipation of Cameron's header. Much better in the second half but guilty of losing possession cheaply.
Macaulay Langstaff - 6
Had one chance of note during the first half, seeing his header tipped over the bar by Langley. Forced off following a late tackle, hopefully nothing too serious.
SUBS:
Geraldo Bajrami - 7
Really impressive on his return to the side. Confident in possession and keen to drive forward from defence. Great to see him back in the side.
John Bostock - 6
Showed little glimpses of the quality he possesses at his feet. Lacking match sharpness but Chorley this weekend will be good to see him up his minutes.
Cedwyn Scott - 6
A late change for Langstaff but was unable to get himself involved in the game.
READ NEXT:
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- Cedwyn Scott explains Maidenhead message and reveals secret behind goal-scoring technique
- Notts County problem highlighted as Luke Williams looks for progress against Gateshead
- Five things learned from Notts County's thrilling victory over Maidenhead
