Notts County 2-0 Yeovil Town (National League) 20.03.21

A convincing display from Neal Ardley’s men eased a small section of irritable fan power and those unhappy with recent performances as Notts made it three games unbeaten and back up to sixth in the table as they continue to press from the outskirts their promotion campaign.

The Magpies started with confidence and were on the attack in a fiercely contested opening with Michael Doyle and Tom Knowles of Yeovil going into the book early-doors following a scuffle. Effiong seeing a shot blocked on 17 the best of County’s early efforts.

At the other end, Jimmy Smith tried his luck from range after Slocombe punched a long throw-in towards the feet of the former Chelsea player who blazed well over the bar, Jake Reeves on 24 minutes then tested Adam Smith in the Glovers goal who was equal to the task.

Alex Lacey saw himself bandaged up following a collision on the half hour before Effiong curled over another opportunity and as the score line looked like staying level into the break, Jake Reeves smashed home a fabulous free kick to put Notts one up.

The injury to Lacey meant that he would be replaced on 51 minutes and as Yeovil attacked for a leveller Murphy fired wide before a big chance at the other end was missed by County, Barnett one-on-one with the goalkeeper Smith who came out on top.

Barnett again tried his luck on 75 this time from long range which resulted in a comfortable stop by Smith but third time lucky the on loan full back powered home a spectacular effort, running onto a ball flicked back to him by Jake Reeves to smash home hell for leather and put the game beyond any doubt.

A fantastic win for Notts and two tremendous strikes, the two sides will do it all again on Tuesday night as this time, Yeovil host County in the league in a match re-arranged from earlier this season.

Notts County: Slocombe, Barnett, Lacey, Ellis, Rawlinson, Reeves, Doyle, O’Brien, Boldewijn, Effiong (Knowles 90), Wootton.

Yeovil Town: A. Smith, Hunt, Sass-Davies, Dickinson (Kelly 77), Knowles (Quigley 75), Worthington, J. Smith, Skendi, Neufville, Murphy (Dagnall 67), Reid.

Venue: Meadow Lane

*Main image @Official_NCFC Michael Doyle and Jake Reeves celebrate the games first goal.