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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Notts County player ratings as Bajrami the standout on return to starting XI

Two goals in 12 second half minutes from Notts County ensured they maintained their unbeaten start to the National League season by beating Aldershot 2-0 at Meadow Lane.

The Magpies were forced to be patient against a resolute Aldershot defence, but breached Mark Molesley's red and white barrier when Geraldo Bajrami's charging run forward resulted in Cedwyn Scott placing home the Albanian's brilliant cross.

And the lead was doubled just after the hour-mark, with Macaulay Langstaff not to be denied his customary goal, finishing off an excellent passing move from Luke Williams' side to net his tenth goal of the season.

READ MORE: Notts County team news vs Aldershot as new signing named in matchday squad

Despite a confident and controlled start, it was the visitors who almost took a shock lead. Former Notts loanee Inih Effiong almost came back to haunt his old club, doing well to overpower Richard Brindley and smash an effort off the post, only to see the linesman's flag raised on the far side.

And that flurry forward seemed to give Molesley's side confidence and they almost took the lead, only for Tyler Cordner's header to be brilliantly tipped onto the post by Sam Slocombe.

That seemed to wake the Magpies up and they carved out a number of opportunities to take the lead, with Scott having arguably the best of those, turning Brindley's cross agonisingly wide of Luca Ashby-Hammond's net.

Shades of that Solihull performance were prevalent in the Notts display, but that wastefulness was soon eradicated, with the Magpies' electric start to the second half instantly rewarded.

Notts won the ball on the halfway line and Bajrami was allowed to drive at the Aldershot defence, with his cross finding the feet of Scott, who took his time before slotting the ball under Ashby-Hammond.

And that dominance continued for the remainder of the second halfr and they almost doubled their lead five minutes later, with Adam Chicksen finding space in the area. However, his header was well saved by the Aldershot 'keeper to deny the Zimbabwean his third goal in as many games.

But Williams' side were not to be denied the second goal that their performance merited, and what a goal it was. At least 30 passes were made in the lead up to the goal, with the ball ending up with Nemane to drill across the box for Langstaff to net his tenth goal of the season.

Following the game, here is how we rated the Notts players following the victory.

Sam Slocombe - 7

Pulled off an absolutely brilliant save to deny Cordner in the first half and was on hand to clear up the over-the-top balls played by Aldershot with his excellent positioning.

Richard Brindley - 6

Forced off due to an injury which is hopefully not too serious for Notts. Made some vital interceptions to deny Aldershot taking the lead and was keen to aid Nemane down the right-hand side and get balls into the box.

Geraldo Bajrami - 8

Was more than an able deputy for Aden Baldwin in defence and looked comfortable in the central position. Won his aerial duels all evening and showed a great turn of pace and trickery to set up Scott for the opener.

Kyle Cameron - 6

Rarely had anything to do all evening and was rarely troubled by Amaluzor. Slightly unlucky not to be rewarded with a penalty in the first half, but his passing was crisp and confident and got Notts on the front foot.

Aaron Nemane - 7

Saw a lot of the ball out wide, but a lot of his crosses were hopeful ones, but he got an important one spot on to put it on a plate for Langstaff to fire home his tenth goal of the season. Much better second half performance.

Adam Chicksen - 6

Missed a glorious opportunity at 1-0 up to put the game beyond Aldershot. His tireless running was evident once again and he was solid defensively all evening.

Matty Palmer - 7

Was the standout player in the Notts midfield this evening. Kept the ball ticking in midfield and was always an option. His array of passing allowed the Magpies to take up some dangerous attacking positions.

Jim O'Brien - 7

Another solid midfield performance from O'Brien, working hard in midfield and winning a number of important tackles in midfield. His passing was spot on, and his tireless running was something to be admired.

Ruben Rodrigues - 7

One of his quieter evenings in a Notts shirt, but still showed those glimpses of quality, putting through some incisive passes that were almost rewarded.

Cedwyn Scott - 7

Was often a passenger in the opening half but burst into life in the second half. Linked the play well between midfield and attack, and he took his goal brilliantly, composing himself before firing it home.

Macaulay Langstaff - 7

You just can't keep him quiet, can you? After looking like it was not going to be his day, his tireless running was rewarded with his tenth goal in eight National League appearances.

SUBS:

Connell Rawlinson - 6

Came on at a really crucial time for Notts and looked like he had never been away on his return from injury. If Brindley's injury is a serious one, what a player to have back in your side to replace him.

Kairo Mitchell - 6

Put himself about and made the lives of the Aldershot defenders miserable for the last 15 minutes.

Quevin Castro - 7

Every touch was forward, and he looks a shrewd piece of business by Notts and can't wait to see more of him.

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