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101 goals, 94 points and 39 goals in the season. Notts County Community Day was certainly fulfilled as another crowd of over 16,000 saw firsthand how Luke Williams’ team is at the height of his powers.

In the past five seasons this Magpies team would have finished top of the National League on points currently accumulated, but somehow find themselves three points behind leaders Wrexham.

It just goes to show how strange this season has been, and it seems criminal that one of the best teams the fifth division has ever seen could find itself gearing up for another season in this league.

READ MORE: Connell Rawlinson addresses the Sam Slocombe incident during Notts County’s win

Here’s a look at the key talking points from the victory at Meadow Lane.

Another record looming

When Macaulay Langstaff signed from Gateshead in the summer, many knew of his goalscoring exploits for Gateshead the previous season, and wondered if the 26-year-old could replicate that form at this level.

But 39 goals later and on the verge of breaking two goal-scoring records, I think it’s safe to say that Notts’ number nine has certainly responded to that criticism, and more.

Yesterday, his ninth double of the season put him in illustrious company at the top of the Notts goalscoring charts in a season, equaling Tom Keetley’s record of 93 with six games remaining in this remarkable campaign.

It seemed fitting that his first of the afternoon would take the Magpies’ league total for the season to 100 goals, finding space in the box to head in Sam Austin’s perfect cross. Langstaff also scored the club’s first goal of the campaign in their 3–0 win over Maidenhead on the opening day of the season.

His second of the afternoon is something we’ve grown accustomed to seeing so many times this season, creating space inside the box to take advantage of Matty Palmer’s return to cap off a wonderfully flowing play and another sensational performance in front of his home fans.

To put his goalscoring exploits into perspective, the Notts number nine puts him 16 goals ahead of Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland, not including penalty goals.

While Langstaff insists he didn’t set any goals before the start of this season, his most recent goals will surely see him eyeing Ricky Miller’s record for the most goals in a National League campaign, with two more to go. see it alone. as the most prolific striker the division has ever seen.

A rule that needs to change

The only disappointing factor in the victory at Meadow Lane was the injury suffered by goalkeeper Sam Slocombe, an incident that could have been entirely prevented.

We have seen from the National League to the Premier League the effect of allowing play to continue even when there is a clear offside, and serious questions need to be asked ahead of next season as to whether this particular rule benefits the state of the game. while also putting player safety at the forefront when coming to a conclusion.

With the Magpies two goals ahead and in control of the match, a pass over the baseline to Jacob Butterfield was one of the clearest offsides we’ve seen this season, yet the linesman held the line. flag lowered as play continued, only to raise it. shortly after the collision with Slocombe occurred, frustrating everyone in attendance as to why these types of decisions are not made sooner to avoid these types of situations.

Ultimately, the outcome of the challenge forced the Notts number one to pull out of action despite attempting to continue having recently returned from injury, and Williams was forced to make an early substitution and handed over to Norwich loan City manager Archie Mair, his first league start since joining the team. club in January.

The 22-year-old impressed having made just one FA Trophy appearance before against Maidstone, producing some incisive passes into midfield and looking comfortable with the ball in his possession, rarely tested in terms of stopping shots on a quiet afternoon for the Canarian Borrower.

However, despite the earlier incident, Mair was lucky to escape another incident unscathed which forced Slocombe to abandon the action, doing well to clear under pressure from a Scunthorpe attacker who was again in a clear offside position. game.

Slocombe’s injury gives Williams a selection headache for the trip to Altrincham on Tuesday night, with Tiernan Brooks available again following his international service with the Republic of Ireland under-21 team, but the performance de Mair will provide another option for the Notts boss to use if Slocombe is unavailable.

the perfect answer

With some concerned that the Magpies were not added to their squad after Wednesday’s deadline to register players for the remaining games of the season, the performance at Meadow Lane proved that this current group of players is more than capable. to end Notts’ four-year tenure. in the National League.

With injuries to Cedwyn Scott, Junior Morias and Aden Baldwin, along with the absences of Jodi Jones and Tiernan Brooks for international duty, Williams was reduced to the bare minimum within his squad.

The timely return of Slocombe and Richard Brindley eased defensive concerns, but many were concerned about the attacking options available to the Notts head coach after striker Connor Lemonheigh-Evans was pulled from his loan spell with the club, returning to Stockport County and playing 65 minutes in his team’s 1-0 win over Swindon Town in League One.

However, this special group of players responded in some style, scoring four goals and playing some of the best football this season, albeit facilitated by a poor Scunthorpe side who created very little during their visit to the East Midlands.

With those players currently injured and moving ever closer to a return, it shows that Williams’ decision to stay with the same players for the final six games of the season was the right one, not wanting to add to his team unless the player correct was available and could benefit the team for the final match.

another special day

With another crowd of over 16,000 inside Meadow Lane to celebrate the club’s Community Day, those in attendance witnessed four goals and another outstanding performance from this group of players.

It turned out to be another amazing day for those who bought a ticket, with the club’s charitable arm Notts County Foundation organizing several brilliant activities before kick-off, further highlighting the amazing work they do within the local community.

During the meeting, there was also a special moment as both sets of fans reminisced about the life of Iron fan Owen Newton, who sadly passed away on Monday.

In the 17th minute, everyone in attendance rose from their seats to applaud and celebrate the life of the 17-year-old in what was an emotional moment for all involved and a great credit to the home fans who paid their respects to the fan of Iron. .

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