STAR CHICKSEN IS A GOOD EGG
ADAM Chicksen maintained Notts County’s three-point lead at the top of the National League with victory over rivals Chesterfield at the Technique Stadium.
The first half was explosive with goals from Macaulay Langstaff and Armando Dobra levelling things up at the break.
Chesterfield’s Jeff King saw red for a second booking in the second half before Chicksen sent the away end into delirium with his closerange winner.
“It was very, very tense,” said Notts boss Luke Williams. “The opposition were incredible. It’s the most we have felt dominated by any team this season.
“With ten men, they made it feel like we had ten men. So, now it’s over, we got the point, and I feel very pleased.”
County almost got off to the perfect start; Langstaff capitalised on an error by Jamie Grimes and barrelled down on goal. However, the Chesterfield captain managed to get back and clear the effort off the line.
The home side responded by taking control of the early stages. Ash Palmer prodded the ball over the bar after Sam Slocombe parried Dobra’s cross.
Langstaff soon got his chance to atone for his early chance. Slocombe’s long punt was brought down wonderfully by the striker and confidentially placed beyond Ross Fitzsimons.
Dobra was the focal point of the first half and it was he who found the equaliser. King’s corner found Grimes, his deflected header landed at the feet of Dobra, and the Albanian poked home from close-range.
Notts looked to provide a sucker punch at the start of the second period. Once again, Langstaff was played through on goal, but Fitzsimons stayed strong to make a big save.
Just after the hour, the Spireites were dealt a blow when King caught Cedwyn Scott late and was sent off by referee Matt Corlett for a second bookable offence.
From there, the league leaders took advantage, Aaron Nemane made his way down the right-hand side and his low, driven cross was bundled home by Chicksen.
The Spireites came inches away from another equaliser but couldn’t find that final touch as they slipped to a fourth successive defeat.
“We played well,” boss Paul Cook said. “I enjoyed the game. I thought it was a great advert for the league. Each team brings such a contrasting style.
“The game panned out probably how we thought it would. I thought our lads came off the pitch with some real credit.”
STAR MAN: Macaulay Langstaff (Notts County)
ATT: 9,706
ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★
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