By PON_News
Notts County head coach Stuart Maynard praised his team's defensive resilience and individual performances following their 2-0 victory over Carlisle United at Brunton Park.
Goals from returning players Alassana Jatta and Scott Robertson sealed the win, lifting the Magpies to second place in the League Two standings.
Maynard was quick to highlight the contributions of goalkeeper Alex Bass, whose late save helped preserve the clean sheet.
"Bassey, what a goalie he is," Maynard said. "I think we've got the best goalie in the league by an absolute country mile. The way he comes for crosses as well and relieves it, not just the saves, he relieves so much pressure."
Playing away at Brunton Park posed a difficult challenge, but Maynard was full of praise for his side's determination.
"This is a really tough place to come, and not many teams will come here and get points," he acknowledged, adding that despite Carlisle's recent struggles, "Mike Williamson will turn it around here, and they're a good team."
Notts County's defensive display, particularly in the second half, was something Maynard was keen to emphasise.
"We've just showed a side of our game once again that we can be gritty at the end," he said. "We come out in the second half, controlled the game again, but we won it in the first half with brilliance."
The head coach also gave credit to Jatta and Robertson, both of whom returned to the starting line-up after being side-lined.
"Scott Robertson, to get through the minutes that he's got through for being the length of time out, and AJ to get through the time that he's got through tonight at the intensity…what a finish by the way," Maynard said of Jatta's goal. "It's something that we work on."
Jatta’s goal was indeed reminiscent of his earlier efforts this season. "He's got all types of goals, AJ," Maynard said.
He also expressed his delight for Robertson, who capitalised on a missed opportunity by Jatta to net the second goal. "I'm delighted for Robbo to get a goal as well because he should have more goals to his game."
Maynard lauded his entire team's first-half performance, saying, "We controlled the game from minute one, silenced the crowd, and you heard the reaction at half-time. They blew them off the pitch because we were that good in the first half."
Midfielder Dan Crowley also earned special praise for his influence on the game. "First half, he just grabs the game by the scruff of the neck," Maynard said. "Our movement, our rotations... we worked on it this morning. Dan was absolutely outstanding."
Despite the two-goal cushion at half-time, Maynard was aware of the dangers posed in the second half. "When you come in 2-0, it's a very dangerous score because if they get the first goal in the second half, you feel like they can go on and win the game," he noted.
However, his side defended resolutely, with multiple players making key blocks. "The lads have gone to the 94th minute... Jacob Bedeau, Matty Platty, Louis Macari, everyone's been absolutely outstanding and put a shift in tonight."
The victory was even more satisfying given Notts County’s recent run of form, following a defeat against Gillingham.
"It's always when you lose a game, it's how you bounce back," Maynard said. "Four points now from two away games is brilliant, really, we're delighted with it."
Maynard assured fans that Jatta's substitution late in the game was precautionary. "He's just cramping up," he said. "We can't risk him getting an injury."
Finally, Maynard reserved praise for the travelling fans, whose support helped drive the team to victory.
"The fans have been absolutely incredible," he said. "They were louder than the home crowd... they're part of the clean sheet, they're the 12th man."
With Notts County continuing their surge up the League Two table, Maynard's side looks set to challenge for top honours this season.
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