Falling behind left Williams ‘happy in a weird way’ as it sparked a reaction
LUKE Williams was “weirdly happy” his side went a goal down against Scunthorpe at Glanford Park, highlighting Notts County’s character in their 4-1 win over the Iron.
Caolan Lavery gave the hosts the lead just short of the 20-minute mark, but the Magpies responded almost instantly, with Quevin Castro netting his third goal of the season on just his third league start.
The returning Jim O’brien tilted the game in Notts’ favour with a brilliant strike from the edge of the area, with Macaulay Langstaff getting in on the action before half time, netting his 19th of the campaign.
Substitute Cedwyn Scott capped off another impressive away performance for the Magpies, producing a composed finish during a goal-mouth scramble to send Williams’ side top of the National League once again.
The Magpies have been behind just once at half-time away from home this season, coming in their only defeat of the season against Dorking Wanderers, and Williams explained he was happy with the reaction from his players after going a goal down.
“It was the first thing I said when I walked in at half time, I was so impressed with the mentality and the belief in what they were doing.
“I was so happy in a weird way to go behind away from home and to react in such a positive way, and if we want to be taken seriously this season, we have to continue to do that.”
The talk this week has been around the in-form Langstaff, who certainly added to his value this afternoon as he equalled Kyle Wooton and Ruben Rodrigues’ totals from last season with his first-half strike.
But the Magpies boss echoed the thoughts of owners Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz at full-time, insisting it would take something incredible to prize their star man away from Meadow Lane this January.
“It’s obvious for us, these things are going to happen, but it is one thing being linked and another being serious,” explained Williams.
“Before Macaulay came to Notts County he was linked with everyone, teams in League One, League Two, the National League, but we were the club that were most serious.
“We are the club that made it happen, it is one thing to be talked about and speculated but another thing to be really serious about that.
“Macca is in a brilliant place, he has a team around him that adore him and a team that try to give him opportunities to score.
“He is having a fantastic season, so for Macca to leave the club at this point, it would have to take something incredible.”