By Joe Jones
Notts County kept up the pressure on League Two leaders Luton Town with a 1-0 win over Port Vale at Meadow Lane on New Year's Day.
The encounter was settled by Jon Stead's penalty, awarded after the veteran striker was fouled in the box by defender Marcus Harness.
Prior to their late spot kick, Kevin Nolan's side found themselves denied several key refereeing decisions, while Vale's Ryan Boot was the busier of the two goalkeepers.
County's win over the Valiants puts them on 50 points, four behind table toppers Luton Town - who beat Lincoln City 4-2 - and seven clear of fourth place.
How did the gaffer, the players and the fans react to the game? Pride of Nottingham rounds up the post-match reaction.
Kevin Nolan
"I thought we were brilliant. I was pleased with the positive nature in how we responded to what was a poor display on Saturday.
"The reaction I got from the lads today was magnificent. We dominated throughout and got the goal we deserved in the end.
"I am delighted for Steady to get a goal. People may say it's a penalty and it's a freebie but that is never the case. We have missed enough to know that."
Jon Stead
"It was a tough game against a very good side who have been in incredible form. Our performance was certainly a good way to respond to the defeat at Swindon.
"The manager was desperate for a response to get back on track straightaway, which is what we have done every time we have been beaten. I thought we put in a good performance."
The players on social media
The Black and White Army
Elite_pie: A tight game, and one of the reasons I love lower league football. It was never dull but looked like ending 0-0 until the incompetent ref decided to balance his earlier errors. I would have to see the replays to confirm, but the rugby tackle on Brisley first half looked a stonewall penalty, the body check on Grant was a decent shout, and the one on Stead looked the least convincing of the three, although their defender did seem to attack the player rather than the ball. I feared the worst going into the game, but a brilliant 3 points in just the sort of game we would have lost a year ago.
Ian Laxton: I think we are safe. COYP
Richard Thompson: 35 points to promotion.....
Geoff King: How did that bag of s***e beat Luton 4 nil
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