Notts County 2-1 Dagenham & Redbridge (National League) 27.11.21

After two defeats and a draw in league and cup, two headed goals helped Notts County back to winning ways at Meadow Lane as Kyle Wootton’s winner was enough to eventually earn the Magpies all three much-needed points in the National League promotion race.

Notts started with on loan winger Connor Parsons who joined the club yesterday on a six-week deal from Wycombe Wanderers and in an open start, played some bright stuff early-doors as they looked to attack Daryl McMahon’s side from the off.

First shot of the game came on eleven minutes when Ruben Rodrigues tried his luck from distance with a free kick which was well saved down low to his right, palmed away by Justham in the Daggers goal. That lead to some further Notts pressure in the opposition half, but the away side soon found their feet and had their own moments, looking potentially dangerous on the break and comfortable in possession in the final third.

On 19 minutes Parsons tried his luck for Notts from long range to no avail after a corner was partially cleared before Rance did the same at the other end, shooting low at Slocombe from the edge of the area, the goalkeeper holding well. Wootton then headed over after good work down the right from Parsons who delivered a lovely cross before Vincent shot high wide and not so handsome after Taylor laid back to him.

As the away side enjoyed their best spell of the match, Robinson struck on 24 minutes from twenty-four yards which had Slocombe, full arms-length, sprawling anxiously to his right as the ball flew into the side netting to the goalkeeper’s relief.

Vilhete then danced his way into the area before Slocombe spread himself to save well and on the half hour Myles Weston cut in and shot low from the edge of the area which was again well saved by the Magpies shot stopper.

At the other end, Notts produced a corner on 36 which was lofted into Cameron at the back post, who headed powerfully downwards, deflected goalwards off the head of Frank Vincent to give Ian Burchnall’s side the lead against the run of play.

That lead didn’t last long though, a corner for Dagenham just seven minutes later was headed home by Balanta who beat Slocombe at the near post to nod home.

In the early stages of the second half, Notts went close to restoring their lead when Brindley pulled back for Rodrigues who blazed over from inside the area whilst Sagaf tested the fingertips of Slocombe, firing towards goal for the former Scunthorpe shot stopper to tip over for a corner which was dangerously delivered by Wright, but eluded everyone.

On 63 minutes Rodrigues missed a guilt edged chance after Roberts crossed into him from the right, the Portuguese born star diving towards the ball inside the box which looked a routine headered opportunity for a proven goalscorer at the level, but Rodrigues got it horribly wrong as the ball sailed harmlessly wide.

It mattered not though as ten minutes later, Roberts again delivered from the right, hanging up a ball this time for Kyle Wootton who headed home past the keeper making no mistake for his tenth of the campaign.

In response to get back level, Akambi half turned Cameron on 83 to shoot tamely at the goalkeeper before Weston blazed over after cutting in on his left, the best chance however coming in injury time, a long throw in headed out fell to Saunders who sent a rocket back goalward which was well saved by Slocombe, diving to his left to deny Dagenham, outstanding on the day.

Wootton might have wrapped things up himself on the break, smashing wide when it looked like he could have squared for Roberts to tap in, but County held on to a big win against fellow playoff contenders who themselves now suffer a third straight defeat.

For Notts with a fortnight now off, they are now fifth in the table just four points behind leaders Chesterfield.

Notts County: Slocombe, Cameron, Lacey, Brindley, Taylor, Parsons (O’Brien 61), Palmer, Roberts, Vincent (Francis 86), Rodrigues, Wootton.

Dagenham & Redbridge: Justham, Wright, Reynolds, Ling, Weston, Sagaf (Saunders 81), Rance, Robinson, Vilhete, Balanta, McCallum (Akanbi 41).

Venue: Meadow Lane (4,889)

*Main image @Official_NCFC an action packed game eventually ending with the right result.