‘Jimmy Goals’ is hero of Notts win
JIMMY Knowles said the first hattrick of his professional career felt “surreal” as his second-half super show earned Notts County all three National League points away to Woking.
The on-loan Mansfield Town forward produced a devastating display of finishing as the Magpies earned a 4-2 victory and a second successive three points.
Notts were 2-1 down at half-time, despite taking the lead through Mark Ellis, who thundered in a terrific volley early on.
But Knowles took centre stage after the break as his pace and movement proved too much for a tired Woking defence, with all three goals demonstrating his ruthlessness.
All of the players signed the match ball after the game with one writing “Jimmy Goals” and Knowles said: “I think that was Jim O’brien.
“It feels surreal, really. I don’t really feel like it’s happened. But I am buzzing to have scored three goals.
“It’s something that I will keep with me for the rest of my life.
“I’m 19 years of age and scored a hat-trick in the National League. It’s something I will never forget.”
Notts’ victory kept Ian Burchnall’s side in the thick of the chase for a play-off spot, although they face a tough test on Saturday, when they face promotion rivals Hartlepool United.
The north-east side stay secomnd following their 2-2 draw away to Boreham Wood on Monday.
And Knowles says that despite winning their last two league games under new head coach Burchnall, they must not get carried away.
“I don’t think confidence will be an issue,” he said. “But we still have to stay grounded.
“We play again on Saturday and we don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves.
“If we lost that, then the momentum has gone.
“Confidence will be high and we will take that into the next game.”