Notts County 1-0 Solihull Moors (National League) 29.08.22
It was a perfect bank holiday weekend for Notts County who followed up Saturday’s comprehensive win at Halifax with a 1-0 win against Solihull for a maximum six pointer with the Magpies still unbeaten in the National League.
After injury, Ruben Rodrigues returned to action with Geraldo Bajrami also earning a place in the side as Notts immediately started on the front foot against Neal Ardley’s men.
On four minutes, Langstaff had a header diverted behind following a cross whipped in by Nemane, two minutes later Palmer’s terrific free kick was met by Bajrami who headed just wide.
At the other end, Jamie Osbourne tested Sam Slocombe from long range but the County goalkeeper was equal to the task, whilst Notts continued to pepper, Langstaff again going close before an ambitious long range effort by Baldwin failed to trouble Moulden in the Moors net.
Brindley and Langstaff then had chances before the moment of the half coming a minute before the break, Langstaff doing brilliantly to cut in and shoot past the goalkeeper with a defender racing back to clear spectacularly off the line.
In the second half Notts continued to press but for Langstaff, a constant threat, it just wasn’t to be, as he looked to add to his six season goals so far, he went close on two occasions before Palmer shot wide from 30 yards, but on 65 minutes it was an unlikely hero would pop up at the back post, Palmer crossing in deep where Adam Chicksen was left alone to prod home, what would be the eventual winning goal.
After that, Notts aimed to defend their lead, soak up and break on the Moors goal and they did just that, on 85 when substitute Kairo Mitchell got free to run at goal. He had Rodrigues waiting but instead opted to shoot and the visitors were able to clear.
Notts had more opportunities on the break as they looked comfortable defending their advantage as Solihull ran out of puff, an entertaining physical game ended with Mitchell clashing heads with a Moors defender as Notts ended the battle with victory, and a few scars.
County now in fourth are two points behind leaders Chesterfield with a trip to Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday next up.
Notts County: Slocombe, Cameron, Baldwin, Brindley, Chicksen, Nemane, Bajrami (O’Brien 90), Palmer, Rodrigues, Scott (Austin 62), Langstaff (Mitchell 82).
Solihull Moors: Moulden, Clarke, Coker, Howe, Sbarra, Dallas, Osborne, Barnett, McNally, (Kelleher, 64′ ), Kelly (Reid, 76′ ), Whelan (Maycock, 73′)
Venue: Meadow Lane (7,004)
*Main image @Official_NCFC Aden Baldwin celebrates Notts County’s winner.
