Notts. County 2 Cambridge United 1

Last updated : 27 November 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Chris Palmer, a 21-year-old winger signed from Derby County in the summer, is fast becoming the talk of Notts County.

The reason is the explosive finishing which he has now produced in three home matches - the latest to see off plucky Cambridge United.

With just over quarter of an hour remaining and the teams locked at 1-1, Palmer picked up David Pipe's long cross ball, steadied himself and blasted it into the far corner of the net to bring the cheering home fans to their feet.

The goal came out of the blue at a time when Notts County were rocking in the face of a Cambridge onslaught, in which they had leveled the scores through an electrifying run and splendid finish by Shane Tudor.

With Cambridge getting on top at this stage, Notts County suffered the heavy blow of being reduced to 10 men when midfielder Paul Bolland was red carded for a two-footed tackle on Stuart Bimson.

It was the second match running Notts County had a player dismissed and they could have no complaints about the decision of referee Trevor Parkes.

In what was a vital six pointer, the first half was scrappy and the breakthrough goal did not materialise until six minutes before half time.

Then a stooping header by Matthew Williams gave the ex-Manchester United player his first County goal.

Earlier, Notts should have been in the lead when awarded a penalty as goalkeeper Lewis Price hauled down Gavin Gordon.

Price then redeemed himself by saving Julien Baudet's spot kick.

The best save came at the other end, Saul Deeney denying John Turner at point blank range.