Notts County 3-1 Wrexham (National League) 02.01.22

Notts County returned to Vanarama National League action in style yesterday as the Magpies defeated Wrexham AFC 3-1 with ease.

Although the Magpies were the eventual comfy winners, they fell behind just four minutes beyond the referee’s opening whistle. Full back Reece Hall-Johnson began his solo moment of brilliance by denying the hosts a swift break-away, which saw the 26-year-old come out of a typical fifty-fifty challenge successfully with the ball. This led to a large patch of green space opening ahead, which was used well as the defender sent a fierce long-range effort in the top corner giving Phil Parkinson’s side the early lead.

Shortly after falling behind, Ian Burchnall’s side found their equaliser. Notts were awarded a penalty following Kairo Mitchell’s goal bound effort halted by the hand of Harry Lennon, leading to the defender’s early dismissal from the field of play. Standing over the ball was the forever reliable Kyle Wootton, who made no mistake yet again and smashed the ball beyond Rob Lainton, taking the roof off Meadow Lane in the process.

“You’re not singing anymore” rang around Meadow Lane in the direction of the near two thousand travelling Wrexham supporters and just before the interval, bad became worse for them on their big day out. A swift Magpies attack left Kyle Cameron with the responsibility of turning provider for Kyle Wootton once again. The centre-half made the matter look easy as his perfect lofted cross was met firmly by the head of Notts’ number 9 as he made it a brace for himself on the day and registered his thirteenth goal of the season.

You felt coming into the second half that the visitors would come out with a point to prove and during that process, Parkinson’s side were awarded a penalty of their own following a high challenge from Frank Vincent. Those within the home stands feared what seemed the inevitable as Paul Mullin looked destined to turn the spot kick home for his side. However, his powerful effort towards the bottom left corner was met by the strong palms of Anthony Patterson, who produced heroics to keep his side’s crucial advantage.

Just ten minutes following Patterson’s penalty save, Notts cemented their victory. Adam Chicksen’s surging run forward down the left-hand side resulted in the fullback turning provide for fellow fullback Jayden Richardson, who’s looping header was attempted to be cleared off the line by a retreating Wrexham defender yet was judged to have crossed the line by the officials.

In truth, the final twenty minutes were controlled by Ian Burchnall’s side, who kept the ball well away from the tired bodies in red shirts. After a good performance from the men in black and white, the game resulted Notts County 3-1 Wrexham AFC.

Notts County: Patterson, Richardson, Brindley, Lacey, Cameron, Chicksen, Palmer, Francis, Vincent, Mitchell (Sam 45), Wootton.

Wrexham: Lainton, Hayden, Tozer, Lennon, Davies (Thomas 87), Young, Hall-Johnson, Hosannah (Angus 84), Jones, Ponticelli (Green 74), Mullin.

Venue: Meadow Lane (8,890)

*Article provided by K-Ci Rennicks (Notts County Correspondent).

*Main image @Official_NCFC The Notts players celebrate Jayden Richardson’s first club goal.