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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Notts County player ratings vs Woking as Sam Austin stars in routine win

Notts County moved to within a point of National League leaders Wrexham following a 3-0 victory over Woking at Meadow Lane.

The Magpies turned on the style in the second half, with Sam Austin opening the scoring to net his fourth league goal of the season 10 minutes after the break.

And Luke Williams' side managed to put the game beyond their opponents within the space of four minutes, substitute Aaron Nemane bundling over a cross into the area before Austin grabbed his second to round-off a dominant second half showing.

READ MORE: Notts County team news vs Woking as changes made from Wrexham defeat

READ MORE: Notts County duo's absence from Wrexham defeat explained ahead of Woking fixture

The Notts head coach made three changes to the side that lost to Wrexham on Monday, welcoming Aden Baldwin, Jodi Jones, and Austin back into the starting line-up - Junior Morias also named amongst the substitutes for the first time since joining from Dagenham and Redbridge last month.

In a quiet opening exchange, it was the home side who managed to carve out the first notable opportunity when Austin's cross into the area fell into the path of Macaulay Langstaff, but was closed down quickly by the Woking defence when going to pull the trigger.

But a sustained spell of pressure from Darren Sarll's side created nerves amongst the home supporters as Kyran Lofthouse saw his effort palmed over by Sam Slocombe, going close again from the resulting corner after escaping the clutches of the Notts defence.

However, two glorious opportunities fell to Ruben Rodrigues late in the half, almost rounding off a sweeping counter-attack but saw his shot blocked by Kacper Lopata, glancing a header wide of the far post in injury time from John Bostock's dangerous free-kick.

Having ended the first period on the front foot, the Magpies' persistent play eventually told 10 minutes into the second half when Adam Chicksen released Matty Palmer down the right-hand side as his pullback was swept into the roof of the net by Austin for his fourth league goal of the season.

A change in personnel saw Jones make way for Nemane who was rested having started the last nine fixtures in the league, and it took him just four minutes to make his mark on proceedings as he snuck in at the back post to bundle home Austin's dangerous delivery to put clear daylight between the two sides.

The points were sealed shortly after, with another substitute playing an important role in the final goal as Cedwyn Scott's powerful pass into the feet of Austin ended in the Notts number eight sending Will Jaaskelainen the wrong way to provide the perfect response from the defeat against Wrexham.

On another positive evening for the Magpies, their latest signing Morias also managed to get his first taste of life in a Notts shirt for the final 20 minutes, almost marking his debut with a goal as he saw his bouncing effort saved by the Woking keeper late on.

Here is how we rated the Magpies players.

Sam Slocombe - 6.5

Maintained that solid starting position to compliment Notts' high-line, but his kicking was far from it's best, almost presenting Woking the chance for the opener during the first half.

Kyle Cameron - 7

Defended well throughout but was also able to offer that attacking threat we have seen so much from him this season. Produced a number of vital interceptions late on to preserve the clean sheet.

Aden Baldwin - 7

For all the undeniable quality we know he possesses, he does provide those heart-in-mouth moments when driving out defence with the ball. Defended very well however.

Connell Rawlinson - 7

Rarely put a foot wrong defensively, managing to handle the threat of Rhys Browne with relative ease while also providing that calming presence when Woking looked to press during the first half.

Adam Chicksen - 7

Benefitted from the position change during the first half, becoming increasingly more involved and playing a pivotal role in Austin's opener.

Jodi Jones - 6

Started off lively on the right-hand side, but a tactical switch by Williams saw him swap sides which proved ineffective as his influence on the game dwindled.

John Bostock - 8.5

Operated in the slightly deeper role in midfield when compared to Wrexham, put was equally as effective - breaking a lot of the play up and maintaining possession throughout.

Matty Palmer - 8.5

Controlled the game alongside Bostock in midfield, further proving his effectiveness in the more advanced areas to provide Austin the assist for the opener.

Ruben Rodrigues - 7.5

Was the real catalyst behind every Notts attack, looking to impose himself on proceedings and creating for his team-mates - not getting his head down when things didn't quite go his way.

Sam Austin - 9.5

His directness with the ball at his feet caused Woking several problems on the turn, finally reaping the rewards in the second half by notching two goals and providing the assist for Nemane - taking his total goal involvements to 23 for the campaign.

Macaulay Langstaff - 6

Similar to at Wrexham, was left isolated up front with his team-mates unable to play to his strengths and often forced to feed off the long balls.

SUBS:

Aaron Nemane - 7

Immediate impact from the Frenchman to notch his second goal of the campaign after bundling over Austin's dangerous delivery over the line.

Cedwyn Scott - 7

The perfect response from his penalty miss on Monday, producing a huge moment in the third goal to notch an assist for Austin.

Junior Morias - 6.5

Great to see this man finally in a Notts shirt, and he looked lively during his 20-minute cameo.

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