KING CHARLES REIGNS AS STU’S
JIM O’Brien described his hat-trick as “a bit surreal” after five-star Notts County continued their goal blitz at the expense of relegated Maidstone United.
With Wrexham kicking off at 6.30pm, all County could do was see off the bottom club to take their points tally to 106 – the highest ever in English football without winning the league.
And they did that in style with 35-year-old midfielder O’Brien’s treble complementing strikes from Cedwyn Scott and Ruben Rodrigues to see off a Maidstone side who, despite taking their tally of goals conceded to over 100, never gave up the ghost and set up a thrilling finale with a quikfire double.
“It was a bit uncomfortable at times, credit to them, they did cause us problems, especially in the second half,” O’Brien admitted. “It is a nice feeling getting the hattrick but a bit surreal. The more pleasing thing is that the lads dug in and we got the three points.”
County took just five minutes to break down the home side when Yoan Zouma stood on the ball and Scott reacted quickly to gain possession and side-foot a neat finish past the stranded Yusuf Mersin.
Ten minutes later, Notts doubled their lead. Rodrigues played the ball out to Jodi Jones who raced down the right before standing up a great cross into the box which was lashed into the net by O’Brien.
By now, the Magpies were in cruise control and it was no surprise when they made it 3-0 on the hour – Frank
Vincent’s rising shot from an angle crashing off the underside the bar and O’Brien driving home the rebound past a despairing Mersin.
Stones boss George Elokobi responded by replacing Ryan Viggars with Nathan Jeche and he was instrumental as Maidstone suddenly found their feet.
On 70 minutes, the Stones pulled a goal back when Roarie Deacon did well to keep possession inside the box
CHARLES Clayden’s second half equaliser salvaged a point for Wealdstone in an entertaining see-saw ride with Dorking Wanderers at Grosvenor Vale.
Dominic Hutchinson took just three minutes to put thre Stones in front, only for first-half strikes from Dan Gallagher and Seb Bowerman to turn the tables.
Clayden restored parity again three minutes into the second half but the Stones weren’t able to capitalise and end their eight-match winless run.
“The reality is that we should win the game and probably with a bigger scoreline,” said Wealdstone assistant manager Matt Saunders.
“We haven’t been clinical enough and that’s and he turned into space before firing past Notts keeper Archie Mair.
Two minutes later, it was 3-2 – Regan Booty crossingto the back post where Supporters Player of the Season George Fowler turned the ball into the net.
The resurgent Stones were then very unfortunate not to draw level just seconds later. Once again Booty delivered a deep cross which Fowler knocked down and it came the story of our season.
“The players have given absolutely everything and we are coming a little bit short on quality, but we’re not coming short on performances.”
The Stones got off to the perfect start when Charlie Barker played a superb ball forward for
Hutchinson, who comfortably slotted past Wanderers goalie Dan Lincoln.
Five minutes later, however, the Wands drew level. Josh Taylor’s long throw fell into the path of Jason Prior, who flicked the ball to Gallagher and he slammed his effort beyond Wealdstone goalkeeper Sam Howes.
Stuart Maynard’s Stones reacted instinctively with Sonny Blu Lo-Everton forcing Lincoln into a vital save. Lincoln was called into