Notts County returned to National League action with a 4-1 win against Scunthorpe but had to come from behind to ensure they returned to the top of the table.
The Magpies went a goal down when Caolan Lavery fired the ball beyond Sam Slocombe at his near post, only for Quevin Castro to equalise just four minutes later.
And the first half scoring didn't stop there, with Jim O'Brien arrowing a strike into the bottom corner before Macaulay Langstaff closed in on 20 goals for the season with another instinctive finish.
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Cedwyn Scott rounded off proceedings in a half lacking any clear opportunities, being the first to react to a penalty box scramble to place home his ninth goal of the season.
Ahead of kick-off, Magpies boss Luke Williams made two changes to the side that drew with Yeovil, with O'Brien returning to the side for the first time since October, while Castro made his third league start of the season, with Sam Austin and Scott dropping to the bench.
While Notts dominated the opening moments with Ruben Rodrigues and Tobi Adebayo-Rowling linking up a number of times on the right-hand side, it was the Iron who took a surprise lead.
Rodrigues was dispossessed in midfield by Alfie Beestin who drove at the Notts defence - finding Caolan Lavery who fired the ball beyond Sam Slocombe at his near post.
But the character of this Magpies side shone through, going level just four minutes later as Rodrigues laid the ball to Castro inside the area to score his third Magpies goal of the season.
And the other change to Williams' starting line-up also found himself on the scoresheet, with O'Brien connecting beautifully with Castro's pull back as the ball arrowed beyond Marcus Dewhurst and into the bottom corner.
But the Magpies' top scorer wanted to get in on the action, producing another instinctive striker's finish, reacting first to O'Brien's deflected effort to finish smartly and put some daylight between the two sides.
And while the second half was short of clear-cut opportunities, the Magpies added to their tally five minutes from time, with Cedwyn Scott pouncing on a defensive scramble to prod the ball home.
The result sees Notts return to the summit of the standings following Manny Duku's late equaliser for York City against Wrexham, whilst Chesterfield lost pace with the top two following a 1-0 defeat away to Halifax.
Here is how we rated Williams' side at Glanford Park this afternoon.
Sam Slocombe - 6
Will be disappointed with being beat at his near post but was rarely tested after that. Was excellent with his distribution and was confident on the ball. Produced a vital interception on Lavery late on.
Kyle Cameron - 6
Was rarely troubled all afternoon and was keen to break forward when possible. Commanded his area well but most of the action came down Notts' right.
Aden Baldwin - 6
Won a number of 'clever' fouls from the Scunthorpe players and was comfortable in possession, picking out a number of incisive passes into wide positions.
Richard Brindley - 6
Keen to keep it simple in possession, driving out from defence when needed and letting Adebayo-Rowling have the freedom of the right-hand side.
Adam Chicksen - 6
Was one of his quieter afternoons but remained solid defensively and a threat going forward.
Tobi Adebayo-Rowling - 7
A continuous threat during the whole game, linking up nicely with Rodrigues throughout. Extremely unlucky not to get an assist this afternoon.
Matty Palmer - 8
It's very rare you see this man ever have a bad game, and today was no different. Did all the simple stuff and kept the ball ticking in midfield. Another solid performance.
Jim O'Brien - 9
What a way to mark your return to the side. The midfielder was simply brilliant all afternoon and controlled the middle along with Palmer. Produced a wonderful strike in the first half too. Great to have him back.
Ruben Rodrigues - 8
Another brilliant performance from the midfielder. He was the catalyst for every Magpies attack and grabbed another assist to his name, while creating a number of chances with his link-up with Adebayo-Rowling.
Quevin Castro - 7.5
Showcased the qualities we know he possesses at his feet, scoring his third goal of the campaign, albeit not as spectacular as his previous two.
Macaulay Langstaff - 7.5
There's just no keeping this man quiet. Had to wait his turn for an opportunity, but took it brilliantly, showing awareness and predatory instincts to net is 19th goal of the season.
SUBS:
Sam Austin - 6
Buzzed around in midfield and won possession of the ball a number of times in dangerous areas.
Ed Francis - 6
Kept the ball simple during his time on the pitch, working hard to ensure Scunthorpe's midfield did not get a foothold in the game late on.
Cedwyn Scott - 7
A late change for Langstaff, almost found the back of the net after a goal-mouth scramble but continued to stay patient and got the goal his anticipation deserved.
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