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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Leigh Curtis

'Magic' - Notts County v Altrincham player ratings as Magpies book play-off spot

Notts County booked their place in the National League play-offs for the third consecutive season as they secured a 3-0 win over Altrincham.

The Magpies were twice denied by the woodwork in the first half as Jayden Richardson smacked the bar with a volley while Kyle Wootton also followed suit with a header.

Notts dominated possession for large spells but they eventually broke the deadlock after the break when Callum Roberts was tripped in the area.

The winger took responsibility for the spot-kick himself and calmly rolled it into the bottom corner as he sent Tony Thompson the wrong way.

Notts continued to hunt a second goal but they had to wait until 10 minutes from the end as Wootton scored a terrific acrobatic volley to give Thompson no chance.

Ruben Rodrigues then got in on the act as he finished off a cross from Jayden Richardson as the Magpies sealed a top-seven finish.

It was the least they deserved for a dominant performance which saw defenders Richard Brindley and Kyle Cameron make their long-awaited return from injury.

Sam Slocombe: Had nothing to do in the first half apart from watch a couple of shots sail over his head and into the Kop. Notts dominated possession and he had a leisurely afternoon. 6

Jayden Richardson: Some really promising moments and came so close to a goal when his sweet volley curled against the bar. Would have been some strike had it gone in. Was excellent. 8

Richard Brindley: Predictably a little bit rusty after such a long time out on the sidelines and there were a couple of passes that went astray. Aside from that did fine. 6

Alex Lacey: Won the majority of his aerial duels and was very rarely troubled by the Altrincham forward line. Sailed through the game without really breaking sweat. 7

Adam Chicksen: Notts were so dominant in possession that the back three had it very easy for much of the game as Altrincham were kept at arm's length. 6

Dion Kelly-Evans: Came close with a terrific effort from the edge of the box which looked to be sneaking in. Did a sound job despite playing on the left as a right footer. 6

Matt Palmer: Stroked the ball around in the sun with very little problems at all and saw a deflected effort trouble Tony Thompson. Cruised in the sun. 7

Jim O'Brien: Was presented with two great opportunities to strike at goal, but just couldn't get the connection he would have liked on each occasion. 6

Callum Roberts: Showed some tremendous tricks and flicks. One which led to a glorious nutmeg and just had too much for the Alty defence when running at them. Won and scored a penalty and grabbed an assist. Magic. 9

Ruben Rodrigues: Like Roberts was Notts' most creative player and always looked forwards in trying to open up the Altrincham defence. Just oozes class and scored a fine header. 8

Kyle Wootton: Smacked the bar with a terrific header and worked incredibly hard throughout the afternoon. Grabbed a goal his performance deserved. 8

Who was your man of the match? Have your say in the comment section

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