Kane Hemmings’ 13th goal of the season rescued a point for 10-man Notts County as goalkeeper Ryan Schofield saw red in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Northampton.
The striker tapped in Jon Stead’s cross to send Meadow Lane into a frenzy as the Magpies fought back to claim a draw which keeps them level on points with third-bottom Yeovil.
The goal capped off an afternoon of high drama for Neal Ardley’s side who had taken the lead midway through the first half when Mitch Rose’s powerful drive flew past David Cornell.
But former Magpies boss Keith Curle watched his side draw level before the break when Daniel Powell tapped in at the back post from Sam Hoskins’ cross shot.
Notts were hoping to secure a vital victory in the second half, but their hopes suffered a huge setback when a poor back pass from Sam Stubbs allowed Powell to race clear.
Schofield came racing off his line and rather than let the winger scorer he dragged him to the ground outside the box to receive an instant red card.
Hoskins then punished Notts from the free-kick as his fierce drive took a deflection to beat substitute goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons.
But Notts hit back immediately to level when Hemmings clipped in from close range after a brillant cross from Jon Stead.
Northampton though continued to search for a second goal and it nearly came only for Notts to produce two goalline clearances in two minutes as Hemmings and Duffy both made vital contributions.
Sam Foley also saw a shot saved by Fitzsimons who also saw Hoskins fluff his lines from six yards with the goal at his mercy.
Attackers meeting was my idea jokes relaxed Neal Ardley ahead of bumper Notts County clash
Notts: Schofield, Tootle, Duffy, Boldewijn (Fitzsimons 49), Hemmings, Stubbs, O’Brien, Milsom, Rose, Stead (Bird 70), Doyle.
Subs: Fitzsimons, Barclay, Alessandra, Vaughan, Bird, Mackail-Smith, Gomis
Northampton: Cornell, Buchanan, Goode, Taylor, Hoskins, Foley, Powell, Pierre, Turnbull (Bowditch 57), Bridge (Williams 57), Elsnik (Sordell 71).
Subs: Coddington, Williams, J Powell, Morais, O’Toole, Referee: Ben TonerAttendance: 7,129 (934 away)
