Josh Lillis 7 - Impressed home fans on his Meadow Lane debut with a string of fine stops at crucial moments of the game. His aerial ability appeared a little unnerving but his alertness and kicking were both top-notch. 
Phil Picken 7 - Had an untroubled afternoon, in which he supported attacks down the right usefully and dealt with Vale's winger without ever looking stretched. He did make one incredible through-ball - unfortunately it was to an opposition forward. Luckily, Lillis was at hand to pull off his finest save of the game.
Mike Edwards 6 - Erratic passing could have cost County against a better side. He was caught out on a couple of occasions but aside from that he went about his business in a quiet yet riskless manner.
Michael Johnson 6 - Was flat-footed for the equaliser and struggled when up against the visitors' faster players. Demonstrating his indispensible experience, he made a couple of clever fouls to halt dangerous onslaughts and was once again aerially dominant.
Jamie Clapham 7 - Much of Weston's terrorising impact was partly owed to the former Ipswich man even though he failed to support attacks as much as in previous outings. His cool service helped the team keep the ball on the deck and his defensive competence allowed the young winger in front of him increased offensive freedom.
Matthew Hamshaw 7 - Great to see such passion and commitment from the tireless wide-man, who looked as though he might get himself into serious trouble after seemingly losing his cool. Running with the ball was a very useful component of Notts' attacks and he was frequently at hand to chip in defensively.
Adam Nowland 6 - Although he was given the freedom to get forward, it was his positioning to break down passing moves that was the most efficient part of his game. Despite growing in stature as the match progressed, his decision making let him down on a number of occasions. He also needs to show more aggression in the challenge.
John Thompson 7 - Did the scrappy work well, cleaning up loose balls in front of the back-four imposingly. His prominence in the air and strength in the tackle are priceless additions to a Magpies' midfield that has been pushed around for way too long. The ex-Forest man backed up his 'hard man' hair-cut by taking a stinging effort on the chin, without flinching.
Myles Weston 8 - Has come on leaps and bounds this season and his performance epitomised why it is so important for the club to retain his services. Technically brilliant, he ensured that the Valiants' defence will be having nightmares about his speedy dribbling. His crossing was much improved on his early season offerings and he showed great composure
under pressure to find the net following a skilful run. 
Jamie Forrester 9 *STAR MAN* - What's that about the team needing another striker? Forrester tucked away his first hat-trick since 2006 to propel himself to the top of the club's goal-scoring chart. Linking up play has been his finest attribute since his return to the side, but subsequent to his stunning second-half strike the weight of pressure on his shoulders was immediately lifted. Fully deserving of his match-ball, the tiny front-man could not have been asked to contribute anything more. Saying that, he could have had about seven goals to his name, with a collection of attempts coming close.
Delroy Facey 8 - Signalled once again why is one of the most integral members of the squad with his strong hold-up play and tidy passing. Unstoppable because of his power and pace - which does not receive enough appraisal - he always appeared a threat and led the visitors to double-up on him after the break. He almost grabbed a goal when he motored onto a long pass, only Joe Anyon was equal to his stinging volley.
Subs:
Ben Fairclough 6 - Used his energy wisely to help pin Vale back deep into their own half. Brought on late into the game, he did not have an opportunity to show home fans what he can do.
Nathaniel Wedderburn 6 - Refreshed a tiring midfield and played his part in holding out for all three points in a relatively relaxing manner.