By PON_News
Matty Platt, Notts County’s 27-year-old central defender, was thrilled after his side’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon at Meadow Lane.
Not only did Platt’s header secure the win, but it also ended the club’s two-match winless streak at home, delivering both a crucial three points and a clean sheet.
Speaking after the game, Platt expressed his joy at what he described as the perfect outcome. "Yes it is, it was a tough game to be fair today. I think Wimbledon came and made it difficult for us at times, especially in the first half," he noted.
Notts County had been eager to avoid conceding the first goal again, particularly after their previous home results followed a similar pattern.
Platt acknowledged that their first-half performance was far from ideal but emphasised the importance of remaining defensively solid during periods when they weren't at their best.
"At times in the first half we weren't at our best, but I think especially us at the back, we were thinking, just keep it tight, keep it at 0-0," he explained, adding, "and then we know at some point things are going to change and we're going to grow into the game."
The first half, characterised by a lack of clear-cut opportunities for both sides, was described by Platt as a "slow burner." He stressed the team’s focus on maintaining their defensive shape during such a tense period, knowing that they would eventually find their rhythm.
"We just didn't want to concede any sloppy goals in that first half because when the game is probably not, as you say, free-flowing, there's not many chances, you just want to keep it tight," he said.
The match's pivotal moment came in the 67th minute when Platt rose to meet Matty Palmer’s corner, securing the game’s only goal.
Reflecting on his goal, Platt admitted that it wasn’t the cleanest strike but was nonetheless delighted. "I'll take anything that I can get to be fair," he said with a smile.
"We've been trying a lot of in-swingers this season and I think we just thought today we'd mix it up a little bit, go with a little bit of an out-swinger," Platt revealed, describing the tactical tweak that led to his goal.
He continued, "The first one he [Palmer] did I got on the end of it, and I just felt like there was a bit of something there for us, so I just told him to keep doing it, and thankfully one went in for us."
The goal, which travelled through a crowd of players, left Wimbledon’s goalkeeper stranded.
Platt credited teammates David McGoldrick and Alassana Jatta for distracting the goalkeeper. "I think Didzy and Ajay have gone for it and that's probably put the keeper off a little bit," he speculated.
There was a moment of confusion during the goal celebration when the stadium announcer credited the goal to McGoldrick.
However, Platt was confident it was his. "I was a bit confused when he said that because I was pretty sure it was mine. I was 90% sure it was mine," Platt recalled, laughing off the mix-up.
Having already scored once away this season, Platt expressed his happiness at scoring at Meadow Lane." It's always something that I try and add to the game," he said.
Referring to his ambitions as a centre-half to contribute more goals. With two goals to his name early in the season, Platt is aiming for more. "As the centre-half, I'm trying to get 4 or 5, you know, 6 a season, and to get 2 pretty early on is good."
Looking ahead, Platt is eager to continue the club’s positive start to the season.
"I think we've had a pretty good start," he said, reflecting on recent results. "It was important today to get back to winning ways, and we look forward to Barrow midweek."
With his goal securing a much-needed win, Platt's performance will undoubtedly give Notts County a boost as they aim to maintain their momentum in the coming fixtures.
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