Notts County moved top of the National League table following their 1-0 victory over fellow title-chasers Wrexham at Meadow Lane.
Macaulay Langstaff scored his 15th goal of the season early in the first half following a brilliantly worked free-kick routine from the Magpies, finishing from inside the box.
The atmosphere inside Meadow Lane contributed to a lightning-fast start from the Magpies, with Kyle Cameron's whipped delivery finding the head of Langstaff, with Mark Howard down quick to deny the goal-bound effort before Aaron Nemane's effort was superbly cleared off the line on the follow up.
READ MORE: Notts County team news vs Wrexham as Luke Williams makes midfield switch
But their speedy start was rewarded with a superbly worked free-kick. Adam Chicksen fired the ball into Ruben Rodrigues, who in turn played a pass through the legs of the Wrexham defender to Matty Palmer with the ball eventually falling to Langstaff to net his inevitable National League goal.
One slight blemish on their first half showing was an injury to Jim O'Brien, with the midfielder turning awkwardly in midfield, instantly signalling to the bench he needed to come off after making a brilliant start to the game.
But the visitors returned to the pitch with puropose after half-time, and having been rarely tested in the first half Sam Slocombe was on his toes to deny Paul Mullin twice early in the second period, coming out well to clear with his feet before diving at the Wrexham striker's feet to gather the ball.
And the visitors continued to have the clearer chances, with brilliant build-up play down the left-hand side seeing the ball fall to Mullin who lifted an effort over Slocombe, only to be denied by the linesman's flag over on the far side.
But for all of their pressure, the Magpies almost found a winner late in the game. Substitute Sam Austin was set free down the left-hand side and cut the ball back for Rodrigues, only for the midfielder to see his effort scrambled off the line.
Following the game, here is how we rated the Magpies.
Sam Slocombe - 7
Was rarely involved in the first half but remained focused and produced two vital interceptions deny Paul Mullin on both occasions. Big player performing in big moments with the Magpies 1-0 up.
Kyle Cameron - 8
Coming up against Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer is no easy task, but the Magpies skipper looked extremely comfortable all evening, winning a number of aerial duels along with producing some dangerous crosses when pushing further up the pitch.
Connell Rawlinson - 7
Like the rest of the defence, was rarely troubled all evening by the Wrexham front line. His experience allowed him to read the game brilliantly and anticipate where the ball was going and not allow anything in behind him.
Richard Brindley - 7
Was often targeted with Wrexham's long balls up to Mullin and Palmer and was caught out more with dealing with it in the second half. Looked comfortable breaking from defence and was keen to aid Nemane down the right-hand side.
Adam Chicksen - 7
Almost gifted Wrexham an equaliser early in the second half with a sloppy back pass, but was a continuous threat down the left-hand side. Was a key component for the opening goal and showed great innovation to give Notts the opener.
Aaron Nemane - 7
Looked to attack every time he had the ball at his feet and his pace was causing the Wrexham defence problems all evening.
Jim O'Brien - 6
A shame to see him depart the game so early after making an excellent start in midfield. Hopefully his injury is nothing too serious.
Matty Palmer - 7
Another brilliant performance from Palmer, doing the simple stuff well and effectively. Kept the midfield ticking nicely throughout and was keen to aid attacks when Notts broke forward.
Ruben Rodrigues - 7
Produced a number of intricate touches in midfield and was continually looking to play forward and create chances. A few lapses in concentration which allowed Wrexham possession, but it was a much-improved performance than we saw at the weekend.
Cedwyn Scott - 6
Not involved enough in the opening 45 minutes, but showed some neat touches in the Magpies' build-up play on a number of occasions to keep the high intensity play moving.
Macaulay Langstaff - 8
It was another excellent display from the Notts number nine, linking play up well with the attacking players around him. His movement for his opening goal was brilliant and has worked so many times for him this season. 15 goals already, simply incredible numbers.
SUBS:
Geraldo Bajrami - 8
What a sight to see this man back in a Notts shirt. After replacing O'Brien in midfield, Bajrami produced an excellent midfield performance, battling well in midfield whilst also driving from deeper positions and picking out some incisive passes into the final third.
Sam Austin - 7
Was exactly what Williams would have wanted from him in the final ten minutes. His tireless running and constant pressure is the last thing Wrexham would have wanted to see when trying to grab the equaliser.
Kairo Mitchell - 6
A late change for Macaulay Langstaff in the final five minutes.
READ MORE:
- Connell Rawlinson makes Wrexham documentary admission ahead of top of the table battle
- Luke Williams explains added Wrexham pressure ahead of Notts County clash
- Macaulay Langstaff reveals Adam Chicksen conversation as Erling Haaland comparisons continue
- Adam Chicksen reveals key factor in Notts County drive for promotion ahead of Wrexham test
