By Joe Jones
Notts County have climbed to the top of League Two after a resounding 4-1 victory against 10-man Lincoln City.
The Magpies found themselves with a man advantage for two thirds of the game after Billy Knott was sent off in the 28th minute for a high boot on Ryan Yates.
Goals from Jon Stead, Matt Tootle, Terry Hawkridge and a spectacular 25-yard free-kick from Jorge Grant then sealed the win for Notts against their East Midlands rivals.
The result means five wins in a row and eight unbeaten in League Two for County, who now sit ahead of Exeter City.
Here is some of the reaction from some of the Notts players, the manager, and the Black and White Army.
Kevin Nolan
"I thought Lincoln started very well and put us on the back foot. They had a couple of good chances but once the sending off came, we dominated.
"It's all about how we react to the red card. You've seen it before - we've gone down to 10 men and won games.
"Just because it's 11 v 10 it doesn't mean you're going to win the game. I thought my lads handled it really well.
"We've been working hard and we're starting to click. You saw a lot of good combinations today. These boys have a lot of quality.
"When it went to 1-1 we could have buckled and felt the pressure of the crowd but we didn't - we thrived on it and showed our quality.
"Lincoln are a top side - they're going to be in and around it this year. It was a tough game today and there are a number of other top teams who we're going to have to battle it out against.
"But I think today, especially in the second half, you could see what we can do when we click."
Terry Hawkridge
"We knew it was going to be a tough game because Lincoln are a good team. We showed our class in the second half and got the goals we needed.
"We used the sending off to our strengths and we moved the ball well in the second half. We tired them out and the goals came.
"They were all good goals. For a right back, it's a great finish from Toots and Jorge probably shouldn't be scoring a free-kick from there but he's put it right in the top corner! Steady's was a good finish, too.
"It's a good win but it's still early doors and we have to now focus on the Exeter game on Tuesday night.
"It's going well but we're only nine games into the season. We have a long way to go and we just need to keep building on what we've been doing.
The players on social media
The fans (from PON's Lincoln match discussion)
Who r ya?? You Pies!!: What can I say we're top of the league what can I say we're top of the league, enjoyed that great atmosphere lots of banta, must say didn't see 4-1 coming but we played some nice stuff in parts second half and a couple of real good goals to boot, you pies!
Chris: I could completely forget about the first half, it was just very poor and despite taking the lead it just wasn't memorable at all. Lincoln City had the right idea at first, however their constant time wasting and diving became frustrating to watch. Their keeper was a shambles but I don't really want to dwell on this negative side. Second half was much better! I keep saying we are a capable team and very good when we pass the ball on the ground. Them pulling level was a warning sign for us, yet pulling back ahead gave us confidence. The passing at times was a joy to watch, as was each of the three goals in the second half. I don't think we can say Lincoln was a poor side, they just didn't help themselves and really they seemed to give up. I do feel the red card was somewhat soft, yet if you go by the rules he had to go. It was dangerous and he shown his studs, horrible challenge.
Countyman: Its about time we thrashed someone in this division, great all round performance by Notts. WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE!
Upthepies: As written by Chris the first half was a write off, neither said played well but the referee didn't help. Second half very entertaining, Lincoln City deserve praise for pulling level but its good to see Notts showing determination to get the lead back. Once we had it, it was never going to change. First time for a number of seasons where the majority of players seemed eager to score, anyone could have done today.
Liampie: Thought both teams was pretty poor first half, no real goal threat from either. Notts deserved the win and some of the possession was great! i dont think the red card changed much, lincoln played as if they had 11 men but was not able to defend properly when it mattered. solid win really.
Heraldmagpie: Its about time we won by more than a couple of goals. Notts shown their class in the second half, after Lincoln had scored I thought here we go but we came back into it.
happy to enjoy the ride and see where we end up. But this is very much a team to be proud of right now. YP"
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