Notts County maintained their push for a League Two playoff spot with a hard-fought, 1-0 win at home to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday afternoon.

It was a second successive victory for Martin Paterson’s side, having dropped points in each of their last four games (drawn two, lost two), as striker Alassana Jatta struck early on, for his tenth league goal of the season.

A cross from Nick Tsaroulla in the eighth minute was met by the head of the rising Jatta, and he nodded home what proved the only goal of the game, with the hosts dominating throughout.

Boasting the majority of possession, and near twice as many shots, manager Paterson was relieved his side held out for maximum points. Speaking to BBC Sport afterwards, the County boss said; “I wanted more chances at home, more aggression, more opportunities where we worked, delivery, we got that.

“So, it’s that balance of, not always beating them with a stick. Yes, then the next bot more ruthless.

“I thought we were really dominant in terms of chances created, and that’s where I look at the KPI in terms of the performance.

“A really good, dominant performance and it’s really clear for everyone what the next step is of us and how we can get better.

“Clean sheet important; nice for James to come back home and get a clean sheet, defenders defended well and it’s just a case of we should have scored more goals.”

The victory sees them remain seventh in the table in what is a tight playoff scenario at present, just four points separating County, and second place Salford, ahead of the Magpies’ hosting of sixth place Swindon Town tomorrow (Tuesday 27 January) night.

NOTTS COUNTY – James Belsahw, Lewis Macari (Lucas Ness, 84), Matthew Platt, Jacob Bedeau, Nick Tsaroulla, Oliver Norburn, Matthew Palmer, Jodi Jones (Maziar Kouhyar, 64), Tom Iorpenda, Conor Grant (Tyrese Hall, 64), Alassana Jatta (Matthew Dennis, 76)

Meanwhile, in League One, Mansfield Town were disappointed not register a sixth straight win when being held to a last gasp draw away to Stevenage.

Leading through a 78th minute penalty from Lucas Akins, following a foul by Jasper Pattenden, it looked like that had sealed all three points.

However, in the sixth minute of added time, Chem Campbell fired a low shot through a crowd of players and past Liam Roberts in the visiting goal to snatch a point.

The result stretched the Stags’ unbeaten run to six matches in all competitions, and sees them eleventh in the table, with games in hand on those above them.

Travelling to the South Coast, and mid-table Plymouth Argyle tomorrow (Tuesday 27 January) night, the Stags are within six points of sixth place Huddersfield Town, in the final playoff spot, and ten off third place Bolton Wanderers.

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @Official_NCFC Alassana Jata scores the winning goal against Crewe.