The cliché ‘the magic of the FA Cup’ certainly applies to Notts’ journey in the current campaign. Despite a shaky first round tie, against non-league Woking, the Magpies have managed to battle through and into the money-spinning 3rd round. The round the giants come to play.
Indeed, the winner of yesterday's tie knew that, following their draw at Swindon, they would host Premiership high-fliers Middlesborough in the next round.
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Yet further magic had been created for the sides when Sky Sports decided to show the replay live on television, producing a handy £75,000 apiece.
With Swindon's poor away form, and Notts’ improving home record, despite Saturday's horror-show and defeat to bogey side Wycombe Wanderers, the bookies had decided it was too close to call.
However, a horrific list of absentees had left Magpies' Caretaker Manager Ian Richardson with one gigantic selection headache, and the home support travelling to the game more in hope, than expectation.
How those theories changed once the game began though, as Notts dominated the proceedings throughout, keeping their League One counterparts very much at bay.
What made the victory and performance all the more surprising was the fact that Notts were without TEN senior players in the starting line-up, due to various injuries, illnesses and loan restrictions. Indeed, after Saturday’s defeat, Richardson made several forced changes.
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Shane McFaul also dropped to the bench following a niggling ankle injury, with Kelvin Wilson returning from a chest infection on the right-side of a three-man defence. Aston Villa didn't want Wayne Henderson cup-tied, so Saul Deeney returned in goal, while on-loan forward Chris O’Grady was omitted from the squad after a poor showing at the weekend. Youngster Shaun Harrad came in to make his first ever start in a Notts County shirt.
Notts lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Matty Willaims playing just behind the striking pair.
Harrad was certainly the surprise choice in the starting Xl, which was also missing defensive trio Rob Ullathorne, Julien Baudet and Richardson himself due to injuries.
A surprise it may have been, a gamble it certainly was, but how it paid off. The youngster paved the way for a memorable evening at Meadow Lane, epitomising a County performance that showed bravery, determination, excitement and skill, all of which were missing at the weekend.
Swindon had no answer for the Nottingham-born forward, his pace and direct running taking the home side to a new level. He was involved in most of Notts’ best play, including the first real chance of the game. A scramble in the box following some poor goalkeeping left wing-back Tony Scully with acres of space within which to score fire in an opener. Unfortunately, the Irishman lashed at the ball, blasting it wide, when electing for power over accuracy.
Harrad was again involved in Notts’ next chance, twisting in the box himself, before delivering a finishing effort that was smartly tipped over the bar by visiting ‘keeper Rhys Evans.
Left wing back Chris Palmer was also causing problems for the visitors, as he whipped in a cross across the face of goal that just managed to evade the onrushing County forwards.
Then came one of the best moments of the match. A fine passing move led to an opening in the Swindon defence, the ball eventually falling to Harrad, who, from outside the area, with Evans off his line, attempted an audacious overhead kick, only to see it crash agonizingly against the post and deny him his first ever senior goal.
The noisy Notts faithful couldn’t believe their lack of luck, but that too was soon to change, just as fairytale's do.
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The ball cannoned off visiting defender Alan Reeves, and deflected past Evans into the back of the net, to the sheer delight of three sides of Meadow Lane. It may have been fortunate, but it was certainly what the home side deserved.
Richardson's men were then content to see the first half through, with an encouraging and deserved lead in the bag. Paul Bolland and Matthew Gill - enjoying arguably his best game for Notts - were battling tirelessly in midfield, with Matty Williams looking lively ahead of them. While David Pipe, Kelvin Wilson and captain Mike Whitlow were looking simply awesome in the rearguard.
Swindon could find no way through, as The Magpies were winning in every department on the pitch, and even created a further chance before the half-time whistle blew. Bolland exchanged passes with Harrad, before darting into the area and crossing to Gordon. The former Cardiff hitman was faced with an empty net, but couldn’t direct the pacey ball, as it skidded away of his knee and for a goal kick.
The half-time whistle blew to a standing ovation from the home section, and an absolutely outstanding first period was brought to a close.
Half Time: Notts County 1-0 Swindon Town
The second half didn’t quite live up to the first-half’s billing, but it was certainly as enjoyable for the home fans. That is because they did what they had to do, they got an early second goal that effectively killed their visitors off.
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The rest of the game continued in the same battling mode as the first half, typical of Richardson’s time at the club. Harrad also went close again, before leaving the pitch to a thunderous standing ovation. Thoroughly deserved, alike with the eventual 2-0 victory for Notts.
Saul Deeney was stretched on only a couple of occasions throughout the ninety minutes, but both times he was up to the task, excellently palming away efforts from Hewlett and Christian Roberts.
To compound the visitors’ misery, substitute full-back Grant Smith was given his marching orders for a late challenge on the outstanding Pipe, as the game drew to a climax.
Palmer and Scully both came close to adding to Notts' lead, but eventually the Magpies settled with a two-goal advantage. The scoreline though, ultimately, flattered the visitors rather than the victors.
All in all, it was safe to say that Notts’ passage to face ‘Boro couldn’t have been much simpler, but they made it that, with a gutsy and skilful showing, belying their lower league status.
It’s a shame that tonight, as opposed to last Saturday, wasn’t the big thankyou of the anniversary of coming out of administration, because it was certainly a fitting display.
Match Ratings, plus more reaction, still to come here on NCM.