Notts County manager Neal Ardley saluted his players “for giving everything” as they ended their mini-slump with a crucial victory at Wealdstone.
The Magpies bounced back from a midweek defeat to Halifax in fine style as Mark Ellis’ second-half header, on what was his debut following his move from Tranmere, secured all three points.
It could have been more had it not been for some excellent saves from goalkeeper Harvey Isted as the Magpies produced a much-improved performance.
Ardley changed his shape from 4-4-2 to 5-3-2 and felt his players had shown real character in the National League clash which he felt warranted a more comfortable victory.
“I am relieved that we have got a win on the board after the last couple of weeks but the performance deserved more than 1-0,” he said.
“They (Wealdstone) didn’t really create a hell of a lot during the game but I thought were sound in our shape.
“The boys gave it everything and again, their goalkeeper, like he did at our place, has made three or four really good saves.
“We were more potent in attack because as of late we have played a lot of football in our own half and gone nowhere.
“We know that. We haven’t got into the opposition’s final third enough with quality, but here we got in loads.
“I had a little dig at them at half-time for turning down opportunities to cross, but when we did, we looked a threat.
“When you’ve had the two or three weeks we’ve had, you know you’ve got to dig in and we did.”
Ardley was full of praise for Ellis’ performance as the defender produced an impressive display following his switch from League Two Rovers.
And it emerged that the former Forest Green man also packs a secret weapon in his armoury which Ardley intends to use more often.
“We did a bit in training on Friday and his finishing in training was exceptional,” he said.
“He scored about four goals so I am delighted for him.
“It was a great ball by Michael Doyle and Mark was brave because the goalkeeper could have come and punched his head off.
“But he was brave. He put his head in there and it was a good finish.
“You do your homework on a centre-back and look at their heading, are they a good talker plus their positional play.
“Then he says ‘oh by the way, I’ve got a really long throw if you want’.
“That was an added bonus and we just thought as we haven’t been in the opposition’s final third enough recently, it was a route in there so we decided to take it.
“We are trying to use all the tools in our armoury.”
