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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Five things learned from Notts County's 4-1 win over Yeovil

With the curtain drawing on yet another memorable away day for Notts County, an overriding sense of disappointment soon followed the full-time whistle following the events that took place at the EBB Stadium.

When Jordan Tunnicliffe's late own goal seemingly put the Magpies seven points clear at the National League summit, Sam Dalby's 96th-minute winner stuck a dagger into the hearts of the Notts fans, as the title race provided another dramatic afternoon to those involved.

It looks ever more certain that April 10th will prove decisive in who finishes in that one automatic promotion spot when the two titans collide at the Racecourse Ground.

READ MORE: Macaulay Langstaff explains Yeovil hat-trick was 'a long time coming' despite difficult circumstances

Here are the key talking points from the win at Huish Park.

Bouncebackability

With yet another defensive blunder gifting an opposition a goal, it would be easy to see heads drop when difficult situations - but that is just not what this group of players do.

When Andrew Oluwabori capitalised on an error between Sam Slocombe and Geraldo Bajrami, it was further proof that this team does have a vulnerability in defensive situations, with a lack of communication evident in conceding yet another avoidable goal this season.

While the Magpies have the firepower to bail them out of difficult situations, that mental toughness has come to fruition throughout this six-game winning run, with the Notts goalkeeper more than atoning for his earlier error with several pivotal interceptions.

Shortly after the first goal, Slocombe was forced into action for the first time in the afternoon, repelling Malachai Linton's instinctive flick at the near post to maintain their early advantage.

Making errors as a goalkeeper are put under the microscope more than any other position, but the involvement of Geraldo Bajrami did not help Slocombe's cause, with the slight sympathy that the Albanian was making his first league start since the start of the year.

Despite that initial setback, you could argue that the Notts number one was pivotal in ensuring the three points returned to Meadow Lane - first denying the lively Oluwabori before making an outstanding save from Jordan Young's free-kick shortly before Langstaff's second of the afternoon.

Slocombe's performances have certainly split opinion amongst the Notts fans this season, but yesterday was further proof of that big-player mentality in yet another tough fixture away from home.

Baldwin absence highlighted?

With no Richard Brindley available for Williams, the Notts boss felt necessary to freshen up his back three, recalling Geraldo Bajrami for his first start since New Year's Day and dropping Aden Baldwin down to the bench.

But his absence from the starting line-up seemed to unearth a vulnerability amongst the Notts defence, with some defensive errors fortunately not capitalised on by the Glovers' attack.

The 25-year-old has had a wobble in form of late, evident in his involvement in Barnet's opener of Tuesday evening, with Williams believing the best course of action was to take him out of the firing line ahead of the visit of Southend on Tuesday evening.

While Connell Rawlinson adopted that central role and looked to drive out of defence with the ball, there seemed to be a lack of quality on the ball when in possession - with Baldwin's array of passes out from defence absent and further highlighting his importance to this team and the way they play.

His composure on the ball brings a calmness when the pressure is on, and that calmness on the ball was needed, especially after the equaliser with Yeovil looking incredibly dangerous after levelling the scores in the second half.

Despite his performances of recent weeks no replicant of his fine form this campaign, it was evident yesterday just how important he is to the way Williams' side play.

Coolness personified

Big moments are made for big players, and I think you can certainly put Ruben Rodrigues within that category.

The midfielder endured a difficult battle for the entirety of the contest, with Morgan Williams the man tasked with man-marking the influential Notts man with little reward.

And when Matty Palmer was fouled inside the area, the weight of the title race fell onto the shoulders of the 26-year-old, but there was very little doubt that anything but a goal would occur as he placed the ball on the spot.

With his usual stuttering run-up, Rodrigues sent Grant Smith the wrong way in front of the travelling away fans to notch his 13th of the campaign - but this is not the first time we have seen the Portuguese grasp these big moments with both hands.

Penalties in pivotal moments against Solihull Moors and Torquay have showcased that elite mentality for a player destined for the EFL, further highlighting his immense qualities for Langstaff's second of the afternoon - performing a neat one-two with Frank Vincent before flicking the ball into the Notts number nine to cement the three points in added time.

Notts' number nine

30 league goals by February. Need I say anymore?

While everyone may associate Gala's 'Freed from Desire' with Will Grigg's spell at Wigan, that same tune is being bellowed from the terraces but with Macaulay Langstaff's name - and quite rightly so.

The Notts number nine netted his second hat-trick of the season with his treble at Huish Park, and you could argue that he could have had three more given some of the opportunities falling at his feet in recent weeks.

Having broken one record already this season, the reality is that won't be the only one the 25-year-old claims this campaign as he closes in on Tom Keetley's club record of 39 goals in a season, and Ricky Miller's National League record of 40 - this is also with no penalties by the way.

Each finish was not without its difficulties however, first to notch his third header of the season, before finishing twice with his left foot beyond Smith, showing great anticipation and persistence to notch the hat-trick.

It has been a truly exceptional season for Langstaff and with 13 games still yet to play, who knows how many goals he will finish on come to the end of the campaign.

Goal difference boost

Eight goals in two games while only conceding two has provided that extra boost to their title aspirations as Notts passed their entire total from last season with their four goals yesterday afternoon.

Before their win over Barnet, the Magpies had gone six games without winning more than a one-goal margin, Phil Parkinson's side held a two-goal advantage in terms of goal difference, having played two games less.

But the pendulum swung once again in this remarkable National League season, with Notts now having a better goal difference by three, with Wrexham showing their defensive vulnerabilities yet again, but that desire and hunger to snatch a late winner away to Aldershot.

It seems destined that their clash at the Racecourse Ground will decide who will gain that one automatic spot as this rollercoaster season continues.

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