Notts County scored four goals for the third consecutive National League game as they swept aside Southend 4-0 at Meadow Lane.
The Magpies got off to the perfect start when Macaulay Langstaff was found in behind by Ruben Rodrigues to net his 31st goal of the season, with Sam Austin doubling Luke Williams' side advantage five minutes later.
And the same pairing added to the score-line in the second half, with the Notts number nine drilling a powerful effort into the bottom corner, with Austin doubling his league tally for the season after smashing an effort high into the top corner.
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Ahead of kick-off, Williams made three changes to the side that won against Yeovil at the weekend, with Aden Baldwin, Jodi Jones, and John Bostock recalled to the starting line-up.
Having enjoyed the majority of the possession in the opening 15 minutes, the resolute Shrimper's defence was unlocked through Notts' Portuguese magnifico - chipping the ball into the path of the National League's deadliest finisher, who steadied himself before calmly dispatching beyond the grasp of Blondy Nna Noukeu.
And the opener seemed to create more space for the league's top scorers to exploit the division's tightest defence, with the Magpies doubling their advantage through a player yet to find the back of the net in the league this season.
With four goals in the FA Trophy and FA Cup, Austin was one of only seven players in the Notts squad not to have scored in the National League, but he opened his account in some style - stooping low to guide Bostock's caressed ball into the back of the net to give Williams' men a two-goal cushion.
Not normally known for his goals from outside the area, Langstaff surprised everyone when taking aim from 25 yards out, with his left-footed effort narrowly whistling past the post.
But the visitors almost provided the perfect start to the second half, with Gus Scott-Morriss managing to find space in behind the Magpie's back-line, only to see his cross gathered by Sam Slocombe for his first real involvement of the evening.
However, normal service resumed just shy of the hour-mark with Rodrigues and Langstaff combining for the second time on the evening - this time the Notts number nine held his run before unleashing a drilled effort to net his 32nd goal in his 33rd appearance of the season.
But following the substitution of Langstaff, the visitors almost reduced the deficit with 20 minutes still left to play as former Magpies midfielder Noor Husin saw his dangerous cross into the area find Daniel Mooney at the back post, somehow firing his effort onto the post from three yards out.
And the Magpies netted four goals for the third consecutive game seven minutes from time, with Austin rounding off a neat move that initially started between Adam Chicksen and Bostock, finishing high into the roof of the net to double his league tally on the same night.
Here is how we rated Williams' side this evening.
Sam Slocombe - 7.5
Rarely called into action all evening, but remained focused and was on hand to sweep up balls over the top, with his distribution also very impressive.
Kyle Cameron - 8
Was rarely troubled against the Southend front line, providing a consistent threat going forward and linking up well with Chicksen down the left-hand side.
Aden Baldwin - 8
What a difference his presence makes in the middle of that back three. Provided that calmness in possession and was on hand to deliver incisive and progressive passes into midfield along with his driving runs.
Connell Rawlinson - 8
Another dominant display from the experienced defender, putting his head where it hurt on several occasions and nullifying the threat of Bridge along with Jones.
Adam Chicksen - 8
A tenacious performance from the left-back, creating several opportunities from the wide positions and often being the instigator of the press when Notts lost possession.
Jodi Jones - 8.5
Was a continuous threat down the right-hand side once again, defending well against the dangerous Jack Bridge who hardly influenced the Southend side.
Matty Palmer - 8.5
The glue that holds this team together. Another influential display from the midfielder, breaking up play and working brilliantly alongside Bostock to create opportunities for the forward players.
John Bostock - 8.5
Kept the game ticking in midfield, nipping in on multiple occasions to break up play in the Southend midfield and get his side on the counter while also notching two assists for Austin.
Ruben Rodrigues - 8.5
Influential in both of Langstaff's finishes, with his understanding and combinations between his teammates causing numerous problems for the Southend defence.
Sam Austin - 9.5
Goals are like buses, when you miss one, two come at once, and that must have been the feeling for many Notts fans when Austin finally netted his first two league goals of the campaign. An excellent all-round performance from the midfielder, combining endless energy and creativity to great effect.
Macaulay Langstaff - 9
Continued where he left off in Somerset, scoring a quite brilliant opener to stay composed and smash the ball home, before timing his run to perfection and unleashing an absolute rocket into the bottom corner.
SUBS:
Ed Francis - 6.5
Produced some brilliant passes from deep in midfield, operating well in midfield during his appearance.
Jim O'Brien - 6.5
Provided that bite in midfield during the latter stages.
Geraldo Bajrami - 6
A late change for Chicksen.
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