Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles.
One app.

Start reading

Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles. One news app.

Start reading

Nottingham Post

Sport

Josh Holland

Notts County player ratings vs Maidenhead United as Langstaff, Austin and Taylor impress

Notts County County (Organization) Maidenhead United Maidenhead (Organization) Macaulay Langstaff Luke Williams Sam Austin Joel Taylor Ruben Rodrigues National League

Notts County got their 2022/23 National League season off to a winning start as they eased to a 3-0 victory over Maidenhead United at Meadow Lane.

Summer arrival Macaulay Langstaff's first half double was followed by Joel Taylor's sensational strike from 25-yards out to get Luke Williams' reign in charge off in the perfect manner.

Following a relatively quiet opening 20 minutes, the game's first opportunity provided the opening goal through Langstaff. Superb play from Jim O'Brien and Ruben Rodrigues in the middle of the pitch opened up space for the striker - who had no problem slotting the ball past Dan Gyollai.

The opening goal certainly improved the Magpies' confidence and County fans had reason to be happy at the break after Langstaff proved why he's been signed with a brilliant second goal. After good work from Sam Austin and Joel Taylor, the 25-year-old striker showed great footwork before striking a left-footed effort across Gyollai.

County dominated the second period and never looked like letting their lead slip against Alan Devonshire's side. With more players venturing forward, the goal of the game came just shy of the hour mark through defender Taylor's outstanding strike.

The full-back, who was playing on the right, negotiated his way into the middle of the park before unleashing an unreal strike into the top corner.

Williams' side dominated the final parts of the contest, with Austin twice seeing attempts blocked well by the visitors. Cedwyn Scott and Geraldo Bajrami were introduced for their debuts in an excellent opening day victory for County.

Here are NottinghamshireLive's player ratings from Meadow Lane

Sam Slocombe: Played as a sweeper keeper and was often calm on the ball, but did hand over possession with ease at times and missed crosses inside his area. Was always offering himself up for passes from his defence and displayed the confidence you want to see from the goalkeeper. 6

Richard Brindley: Despite playing in the back three, Brindley showed his attacking ability with overlaps past Taylor on the right. Gave possession away on various occasions but was more expressive in his pass selections and forward runs. 6

Aden Baldwin: Was solid in the centre of Williams' back three with his pace and strength. Composed in possession, but was too safe at times. Maidenhead didn't offer too much of a threat and rarely pressed, but the safety belt remained on at all times. 6

Kyle Cameron: Linked up play well with Chicksen further up the field and Baldwin in defence. Often played the simple pass rather than showing his expressive side, but defensively solid and very rarely gave the ball away when playing out from the back. 6

Aden Chicksen: Played almost like a winger, the wing-back spent most of the game making darting runs in behind Zico Asare. Was busy in the first half but once County were comfortable, he saw less of the ball. Like most of the squad, never stopped running down the flank. 6

Joel Taylor: Scored the best goal of the game with his stronger left-foot and looked comfortable on the right. Often doubled up with Austin to cause problems down the County right and was one of the most impressive players on the day. 7

Ed Francis: Played the holding midfielder role perfectly just in front of the back three. Didn't get forward often to cover the space left by the wing-backs, but you wouldn't have caught him stood still and was subbed off after running himself into the ground. 6

Jim O'Brien: Calm and composed in possession, the midfielder followed up his part in the opener by being involved in everything County did when going forward. His partnership with Francis looks strong, but the lack of quality from Maidenhead certainly helped him on the day. 7

Ruben Rodrigues: Despite the victory and three goals, the forward was quiet. Had two free-kicks that whisked just wide, but he didn't see much of the ball compared to Austin and Langstaff. However, his attitude never dropped and he seemed eager to make his mark on the game. 6

Sam Austin: Started out wide on the right but very often drifted inside to form an attacking trio alongside Rodrigues and Langstaff. Always keen to get onto the ball and carve out opportunities and was unlucky not to score on his debut in the first half. Plenty of positive signs from the new signing. 7

Macaulay Langstaff: If there was any doubt about Langstaff's capability of scoring goals in the National League, there won't be after the opener. Two superb finishes, with glimpses of excellent forward play off-the-ball. Was so unlucky not to grab his hat-trick from Austin's cross 9

Subs:

Matt Palmer: Came on when County were in full control. Progressed play through the middle well and didn't stop running to provide passing options. 5

Cedwyn Scott: The game was done by the time he was introduced and the ball rarely made it's way into the final third. He didn't let that stop him from making runs in behind though. Positive signs early on. 5

Geraldo Bajrami: Sat in front of the defence alongside Palmer and saw plenty of the ball to ease into the action. His physical advantage he has over opponents is clear to see. Look's a very good arrival. 5