Kevin Nolan hails substitutes as Notts County edge past Port Vale

Kevin Nolan has found himself praising his Notts County substitutes once again as the Magpies claimed a 1-0 win at Port Vale.

With the League Two game evenly poised on a knife-edge, its solitary goal came through Lewis Alessandra, who came off the bench to score with his first tough, bundling home a Jorge Grant cross.

The task of holding on to the lead was made all the more difficult after Shaun Brisley had to be taken off following a head knock and, with all three substitutions already made, Notts had to see the game out with 10 men.

“I was delighted with the win and I spoke about it a lot in my recent press conferences and after games in that the lads coming off the bench were making an impact,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.

“Rob Milsom came on and was absolutely first class and really steadied us. He made a fantastic contribution.

“Fortes and Lewis also played their part. If you look at Lewi he played right-back at the end after the injury to Shaun.

“It’s not his position but was fantastic. We knew what to do when we went down to 10 men because we’ve practised it.

“As soon as it happened, the lads knew exactly what to do and what their responsibilities are.

“We leave no stone unturned and It’s a credit to the lads that they take it all on board.

“It wasn’t the greatest spectacle but when you go away and you get a clean sheet and win 1-0, then it’s fantastic.

“The fans will go away not remembering anything about the game, but knowing they’ve won the match.”

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