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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Notts County player ratings vs Altrincham as Langstaff's record-breaking goal sends Magpies top

Macaulay Langstaff's record-breaking 40th goal of the season sent Notts County back to the National League summit following their 2-0 win away to Altrincham.

The Magpies took the lead when John Bostock's smart free-kick deceived everyone in red and white, gifting the Notts number nine the goal that took him out on his own as the club's leading scorer in a league season, overtaking Tom Keetley's 92-year record.

And the points were sealed four minutes into the second half, with Luke Williams' side awarded a penalty when Aaron Nemane's cross was handled in the area, with Ruben Rodrigues making no mistake to dispatch in front of the travelling 638 Notts fans.

READ MORE: Notts County team news vs Altrincham as Sam Slocombe decision made

Williams made two changes from the win over Scunthorpe at the weekend, with Mair handed his first league start since joining from Norwich in January, with Sam Austin preferred to Jim O'Brien in midfield.

The visitors settled the better of the two sides early on, with Rodrigues able to turn in midfield before forcing an early save from Ollie Byrne before going close minutes later, only to see his effort blocked on its route to goal by Langstaff.

And their dominance was rewarded just shy of the half-hour mark - with Rodrigues fouled by Ben Pringle, while the Altrincham players remonstrated with referee Jacob Miles, Bostock's quick thinking saw him slip in the Notts number nine who had the simple task of placing home his 40th goal of the campaign.

But just six minutes later, Altrincham were given a way back into the contest when Kyle Cameron lunged in for a challenge on Regan Linney inside the area, with the Alty number 29 stepping up but seeing his effort superbly tipped round the post by Mair right in front of the travelling Magpies fans.

With Williams' side limited to few chances in the remaining minutes of the first half, it took them just four minutes after the interval to double their advantage - Nemane's cross into the area was handled, with Rodrigues stepping up to coolly dispatch the ball beyond Byrne for his 17th goal of the season.

And they almost put the game beyond Phil Parkinson's side when Austin picked out Matty Palmer on the edge of the area, with his bouncing effort tipped beyond the post with Bostock lurking.

However, the hosts almost made it a nervy final ten minutes for Williams' side, with Luke Burgess managing to bundle his way beyond Geraldo Bajrami and Cameron before firing an effort that skimmed off the crossbar and behind.

Having broken one record on the evening, Langstaff came agonisingly close to bettering Ricky Miller's total of 40 goals in a National League campaign, found by Austin on the edge of the area before curling an effort that grazed the crossbar late on.

Here is how we rated the players at the J. Davidson Stadium.

Archie Mair - 9

Not a bad first league start eh? Produced an unbelievable penalty save to deny Linney, while also commanding his area superbly and looking extremely confident with the ball at his feet. Two clean sheets in two.

Kyle Cameron - 7

Gave away the penalty with a poorly timed challenge inside the area. Recovered well, however, continuing to aid Chicksen in the attacking areas.

Geraldo Bajrami - 8

Continues to get better with every game, looking a lot more comfortable in the middle of the back three. Did well dealing with the physicality of Linney and continues to find success with balls over the top.

Connell Rawlinson - 7

Defended well for his time on the pitch, doing well to keep up with the pacey wide players at Altrincham's disposal. Another player deserving of a rest after a busy couple of weeks.

Adam Chicksen - 7.5

Was kept quiet for large parts of the second half after a busy first 45, but looked like an increasing threat as the game went on, switching out the right-hand side following Vincent's introduction.

Aaron Nemane - 8

Looked like a continuous threat during the encounter, with his pace and directness causing several problems for the Altrincham defence. Won the penalty that lead to Rodrigues' goal.

Matty Palmer - 8.5

Conducted the game to his tune from minute one, controlling possession in midfield and linking the play between defence and attack.

John Bostock - 8

Continues to work so well alongside Palmer in midfield, operating in a slightly more advanced role in the second half, picking off some incisive passes into the final third.

Sam Austin - 8

Another busy midfield showing from the Notts number eight, with his pace and directness allowing Notts to get up the pitch - his movement also caused many problems in behind.

Ruben Rodrigues - 8

Stepped up at a pivotal moment in the contest to put his side two goals to the good. Substituted just shy of the hour mark for a well-deserved rest.

Macaulay Langstaff - 9

The record-breaker. Stayed alive to latch on to Bostock's quick free-kick, running the line exceptionally throughout, almost finding the finish to break the National League record late on.

SUBS:

Jim O'Brien - 8

An exceptional substitute appearance. Breaking up the play and maintaining possession on a difficult surface at the J. Davidson Stadium.

Richard Brindley - 6.5

Great to see him back in a Notts shirt having not been involved since the start of January.

Frank Vincent - 7

Almost grabbed his first goal of the season following Chicksen's back post cross. Provided endless energy for the final minutes.

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