KEV’S MAGPIES EYE TOP THREE
KEVIN Nolan has urged his players to create their own personal promotion memories after his inform side thrashed Yeovil to close the gap on thirdplaced Wycombe to just two points.
The Magpies have won three games in a row for the first time since September as they hit top form over the closing stages of the season.
A first-half goal from Dan Jones was followed by strikes from Elliott Hewitt and Lewis Alessandra, along with an own goal after the break.
And it means that County are now assured of at least a playoff place, while they battle with Wycombe and Exeter for the final automatic promotion spot.
Boss Kevin Nolan said: “Some of our play was brilliant and I think we are starting to see the results of our hard work.
“We had an indifferent spell but we’ve come through that and the lads want to show people what they’re about.
“This team wants success and I’m delighted that we’ve secured a play-off place and are still in with a chance of automatic promotion as well.
“I still remember the promotions I had as a player, the best times of your life, and it would be special for the players here to achieve that.”
Yeovil still need a point to be mathematically certain of avoiding relegation, with the Glovers six points clear of Barnet.
Manager Darren Way said: “I thought we played well in the first half and we were unlucky to go in a goal down.
“The players did exactly as they were asked and stuck to their task before their goal was deflected in.
“Then we had the own goal early in the second half and perhaps after that my young players struggled to handle the pressure.
“Their squad is loaded with experience and at times in the second half we looked like we didn’t know what we were doing.”
The Magpies looked nervous in the opening exchanges and Yeovil nearly profited as Lewis Wing saw a 20yard shot saved by Adam Collin before Alex Fisher headed wide after a defensive mix-up.
The Glovers had a let-off on 17 minutes when Jonathan Forte lobbed goalkeeper Jonny Maddison, only to see his effort come back off the bar.
But it was the home side who took the lead in firsthalf stoppage time, with Dan Jones’ shot from the edge of the area deflected past the helpless Maddison.
Early in the second half the Magpies made it 2-0 as Tom James blasted a pass from Liam Noble into his own net from 20 yards.
On 70 minutes Hewitt cut in from the left before coolly slotting past Maddison. And just three minutes later Alessandra dribbled past two defenders before netting.
Alex Fisher scored a consolation from a free-kick.