Wealdstone 0-1 Notts County (National League) 13.03.21

A debut goal from big defender Mark Ellis was enough to give Notts County all three points on the road back from London as the Magpies do the double over Wealdstone this season.

A hard-earned win in the sunshine keeps Notts in the promotion picture with relief for Neal Ardley after four matches prior to Saturday’s win, without victory in the National League.

The visitors went guns blazing from the off at Grosvener Vale as Miller’s effort was blocked inside two minutes before Wootton received an early yellow card for a foul on the keeper.

Effiong headed over on 9 minutes before further chances for Wootton and O’Brien. For the home side, Charles directing a free kick over the bar on 25 the home teams first chance of the game.

On 28 minutes Rawlinson was next for Notts County to register an attempt, heading a Michael Doyle free kick straight at Isted before Wootton fired wide and Doyle forced the best out of the goalkeeper with a first time effort well saved.

In the second half, Boldewijn put in a teasing free kick which evaded all but the Wealdstone goalkeeper on 56 before Notts County took the lead through Mark Ellis, the central defender staying inside the box after a part cleared free kick to head Doyle’s cross into the corner of the net three minutes past the hour.

Notts thereafter defended well and might have increased their lead when Isted saved superbly again, this time from O’Brien on 81, as County broke dangerously during the latter stages, the goalkeeper again was called into action saving from Miller after good work by Elisha Sam.

In the end, it was Notts who finished stronger and got reward with all three points on the final whistle which was well greeted by the away side, a win that keeps County in the playoff/promotion picture, the Magpies still twelve points behind leaders Sutton but still with plenty to play for this season.

Wealdstone: Isted, Cawley, Charles, Dyer, Efete, Green (Wishart 66), Lewis (Lafayette 78), Mendy, Okimo, Parish (Hughes 66), Phillips.

Notts County: Slocombe, Lacey, Rawlinson, Miller, O’Brien, Boldewijn, Doyle, Effiong (Sam 85), Ellis, Kelly-Evans, Wootton.

Venue: Grosvener Vale

*Main image @Official_NCFC the players celebrate a Mark Ellis winning goal.