Goals either side of half-time from something of a returning outcast helped the Magpies storm to the top of League Two last night, with Glynn Hurst completing a brace of headers to secure Notts the points.
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Notts welcomed back Rob Ullathorne, Steve Scoffham and, most tellingly, Glynn Hurst to the starting eleven, at the expense of Dan Martin, Andy White and Stacey Long – all of whom were dropped to the bench.
Matty Gill – who appears to be chomping at the bit after an extended spell in the cold – retained his position in midfield, with youngster Lewis McMahon also named amongst the substitutes.
Right from kick-off, the Magpies stormed their opposition, forcing themselves into an early lead just 50 seconds into proceedings.
A notoriously long-throw from midfield terrier Gill found its way to Hurst just yards from goal who duly headed home for a perfect start to what was, in hindsight of the Magpies’ league position after the game, to be a near-perfect day (for those who didn’t know, Forest won).
After suffering their first defeat of the season in mid-week, Notts reacted in the only way they now know how, as they continued to pressure their guests with a rampant mind-set, nearly reaping rewards just minutes later. Scoffham and Hurst – named up-front together for the first time since the opening day draw at Torquay – combined well to create another early chance for the tireless Scoffham, whose touch let him down in the final third, with the ball escaping his grasp.
Rovers’ danger-man Junior Agogo – who got the better of the Magpies rearguard on numerous occasions throughout the afternoon – mustered the Pirates’ better early chances, but often his shots were either met superbly by the again impressive Kevin Pilkington, or dragged wide. Either way, the Magpies weren’t to concede on this day.
Captain Julian Baudet also came close for the Magpies, but his effort was superbly saved by former Coventry ‘keeper Scott Shearer.
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Whilst the Magpies remained dominant, Bristol began to marshal more and create more moves goalwards – only for the resolute Notts rearguard to snuff out their best chances of the first half. Kelvin Wilson’s double saving tackles on an impressive Agogo standing as a case of point.
With his first goal of the season now in the bag, Hurst’s game changed. Chasing every ball and closing down at every opportunity, the South African- born striker was beginning to show a glimpse of his obvious class, with that familiar spring restored to his act.
From a team perspective, Gudjon’s men looked composed. The play looked wholesome and convincing, and thus their deserved lead was never really challenged.
Half time: Notts County 1-0 Bristol Rovers
With a goal already under his belt, Hurst’s confidence oozed. Attacking the Family Stand for the second half, his efforts – like many of those of his teammates – were greeted with rousing applause from the Magpies faithful. The slate, finally, has been wiped clean on Hurst’s part.
His two early, second-half chances were unlucky not to fly in, as he near-miraculously slid wide from close range, before playing a neat one-two with the upright, only for the post’s return to be somewhat wayward.
Stacey Long replaced David Pipe twenty-five minutes after the restart, with the young former Charlton trainee being introduced for the injured Pipe, who limped away holding his thigh.
The Magpies had yet another chance to extend their lead, however, when that man Hurst was mauled by a flustered Shearer, as the former Chesterfield man nipped in ahead of the keeper, only to be tugged down just yards from goal. Top of the league; perhaps – but the luck officiating-wise never changes. The claims were waved away.
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And moments later – had it not been for the flag of the assistant referee – Hurst would have completed his hat trick as he broke free from the Bristol rearguard before slotting home admirably. Wheeling off in celebration, Hurst’s frustration – and, indeed, confusion – was obvious when the decision was made.
However, before the game was to flow out into nothingness, there was time for yet more drama.
When Bristol’s Aaron Lescott lunged at the feet of Rob Ullathorne, a full-scale scuffle ensued, resulting in two, consecutive bookings (and thus a dismissal) for Lescott and a booking for team-mate, former Notts man - but now fully-fledged thug - James Hunt.
Subsequent to Lescott’s dismissal, there was time only for a final save from Pilkington, capping another convincing Magpies display.
Full time: Notts County 2-0 Bristol Rovers
And so, to Mansfield. Go forth and multiply (not with your own family, however).