Echoes of 2014-15 exploits as Stead gets back on FA Cup goal trail

the bar, so it was fantastic to get one right on a big stage.

“The left foot shot, or swing if you like, has served me well over the years but just not recently and I was buzzing when it went in.” It was a great day for County’s busy goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons and Magpies boss Kevin Nolan – but also for Bees playmaker Alan Judge despite the shock defeat.

The 29-year-old Ireland international came off the bench for his first action in 637 days after a horrific double leg break.

That injury, sustained in a challenge by Luke Hyam, cost Judge any chance of a trip to Euro 2016 and a move to the Premier League.

And after being given a huge ovation following his introduction off the bench on 70 minutes he said: “It was emotional getting back on, of course it was.

“But to be honest I didn’t take it in as much as I might have because of the match situation, and the fact we were losing. So you just want to get on with it, but I was very happy to get the call from the gaffer and be back on the pitch.

“Maybe you can’t call it a celebration after the result, but I certainly plan to have a bit of dinner with my family after the match.

“And maybe then and over the weekend it will all have sunk in a bit more and I can appreciate the moment for what it was.

“I got that 20 minutes under my belt and the confidence I can be playing for this team again. And I will look forward to hopefully getting on against Bolton in the Championship next week.”