Notts County recorded their first National League away win of the season with a comfortable 4-1 victory over surprise strugglers, Halifax Town.
It took until the last five minutes of the first half for an injection of life in what was a dull encounter at The Shay Stadium, with Macaulay Langstaff and Sam Austin combining for the Notts number nine to slide the ball beyond Sam Johnson.
And the partnership that was so clinical in the National League North last term replicated the first of hopefully many goals this season, with Cedwyn Scott doing brilliantly to anticipate Jim O'Brien's deflected cross to nod the ball in at the near post to give the Magpies a two-goal cushion.
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But Notts had 'keeper Sam Slocombe to thank for retaining their lead, producing a wonderful save moments after Langstaff's opener, diving acrobatically to deny Harvey Gilmour's goal-bound volley.
Following on from their impressive late showing in the first period, the Magpies were resilient as Halifax looked to get back into the game, but the home side's aspirations were dashed just after the hour-mark.
Langstaff seemingly only scores braces, and grabbed his third of the season after executing his run perfectly to latch onto Scott's through ball, rounding Sam Johnson and placing the ball home in front of the 700 plus travelling Notts supporters.
The three-goal advantage was the perfect score-line for Luke Williams with the visit of Solihull Moors coming in less than 48 hours, allowing him to take off Langstaff, Scott and Aaron Nemane as his preparations begin for Monday. There was also a debut for Toby Adebayo-Rowling since his signing from Ebbsfleet.
But Notts hopes of a clean sheet and a perfect performance were tainted seven minutes from time with Gilmour not to be denied by Slocombe this time, firing a volley into the bottom corner.
However, hopes of a late comeback were dashed by the right-foot of Kairo Mitchell, with the substitute capitalising on a loose pass in the Halifax midfield, driving at the back pedalling defenders before firing a right-footed shot beyond Johnson.
Here is how we rated the Notts players.
Sam Slocombe - 6
Produced a magnificent save shortly after Notts took the lead, sprawling to his left to deny Gilmour's volley. With a boggy surface, the 'keeper did well with the ball on the deck.
Richard Brindley - 6
Had a couple of nervy moments against Angelo Cappello when he came on in the second half, but it was another solid display from him.
Aden Baldwin - 5
Looked uncomfortable for large periods, whether that is to do with his injury. Gave the ball away on numerous occasions and struggled against the pace and strength of Dieseruvwe.
Kyle Cameron - 6
Confident display at the back, commanding his defence well and breaking forward with the ball to alleviate the pressure when Halifax looked to take control of the game.
Aaron Nemane - 6
Was targeted a lot by Halifax with long diagonal balls but dealt well with the threat of Dieseruvwe and Jack Senior.
Adam Chicksen - 6
Did brilliantly for the opening goal, bustling his way through a number of challenges to feed the ball to Austin. Deliveries were much improved and was a threat all afternoon.
Matty Palmer - 6
A gritty midfield display, putting himself about and winning tackles in midfield. Was assured with his passing and his energy kept Notts ticking in midfield.
Jim O'Brien - 5
Far from his best performance once again, looking to play the ball long rather than keeping it simple when Notts needed to keep possession of the ball.
Sam Austin - 6
Another game, another assist, whether he meant it or not. Was kept quiet in the opening half an hour, but burst into life from then on, becoming hard to pick up for the Halifax midfielders.
Cedwyn Scott - 8
A perfect first start for the club. A goal that is a lot harder than you think to anticipate the flight of the ball and where the goal was and his assist was inch-perfect for Langstaff's second. What a way to make your mark.
Macaulay Langstaff - 8
Typical strikers finish for his first goal, constantly on the move and reaping the rewards. His movement and understanding with Scott for his second was outstanding, and the composure to take it round the 'keeper was equally so.
SUBS:
Geraldo Bajrami - 6
Was played slightly further forward in central midfield, and did well and looked extremely comfortable in that position with his array of passing ability.
Toby Adebayo-Rowling - 6
A first start in Notts colours, and a comfortable game to start with. Came on with 25 minutes to go and was rarely troubled defensively.
Kairo Mitchell - 7
Gave Williams food for thought off the bench, putting himself about and taking his goal excellently, running at two defenders before sending the 'keeper the wrong way.
