A third successive win for Martin Paterson’s Notts County saw them edge ahead of Swindon Town, on goal-difference, and sit joint-second in the EFL League Two table, after a 2-0 win at Grimsby Town; meanwhile, Nigel Clough’s Mansfield Town were held to a battling draw in EFL league One, away to promotion hopefuls, AFC Wimbledon.

Former Stags ‘keeper, Christy Pym, was between the sticks for the hosts, at Blundell Park, and he came close to conceding early on but for a timely intervention on the line after a floated cross goalwards by Nick Tsaroulla.

The end-to-end first half saw a couple of good efforts by Reece Staunton and Jaze Kabia well-saved by Kelle Roos in the visiting goal, as both sides probed for an opener that failed to materialise in the first half.

County took the lead withing fifteen minutes of the second half, Matthew Dennis collecting the ball at distance, beating two home defenders, and firing a left-footed shot past Pym from twenty yards out.

Grimsby continued to create chances but Roos and his backline held firm, the decisive second coming midway through the seven minutes of added time, Alassana Jatta nicking the ball off a home defender, rounding Pym, and slotting home.

It was another, valuable three points for Paterson’s side as they continue to push matters at the top end of the table, and with leaders Walsall next, anything is possible.

NOTTS COUNTY – Kelle Roos Lewis Macari (Lucas Ness, 87), Matthew Platt, Jacob Bedeau (capt), Nick Tsaroulla (Kellan Gordon, 69), Oliver Norburn, Tom Iorpenda, Keanan Bennetts (Jodi Jones, 69), Conor Grant (Maziar Khouyar, 80), Matthew Dennis (Jack Hinchy, 87), Alassana Jatta

Meanwhile, Mansfield are sitting in sixteenth place, and a point above the drop zone, after their goalless draw at AFC Wimbledon.

The Dons, who sit five points outside the playoffs, are now seven games without a win following the draw, whilst the Stags halted a run of four straight league defeats following the quietest of games.

Clough’s charges came close a couple of times in the opening twenty minutes or so, Nathan Bishop saving from Lucas Akins inside the opening minute, whilst Ryan Sweeney’s effort on twenty-one minutes was disallowed due to a foul in the build-up.

The hosts meanwhile saw first half chances from Steve Seddon and Ryan Johnson come to nothing, as the two settled for a point.

A run of festive action now begins for both sides, Mansfield start theirs at home to Stockport County, on Saturday (20 December) before back-to-back away days at Barnsley (Friday 26 December) and Bolton Wanderers (Monday 29 December) to see out the year; County

meanwhile host leaders Walsall on Saturday, before two away days of their own at Chesterfield (Friday 26 December) and Milton Keynes Dons (Monday 29 December).

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @Official_NCFC Alassana Jatta with another goal for Notts County.