Bristol City 4-0 Notts County

A rampant Bristol City performance left Notts County in tatters and sent out a message to the whole of League One that Steve Cotterill's side has what it takes to get themselves into the Championship next season.

The Robins dispatched the Magpies 4-0 to soar back to the top of the third tier, thanks to goals by Joe Bryan, Matt Smith, Jay Emanuel-Thomas and Derrick Williams.

Eight minutes is all it took for City to open the scoring, as a sizzling run from Emmanuel-Thomas carved open the visitors’ defence and led to a cross that was bundled in by Bryan.

When Notts talisman Mike Edwards was forced off with an injury in the 11th minute, you just know the tone would be set for the afternoon.

Notts were under the cosh for much of the half and required Roy Carroll to pull off a great save from Korey Smith, before substitute Taylor McKenzie cleared off the line.

And indeed, the hosts doubled their lead just before the break when Luke Freeman’s cross was tapped in by Matt Smith. The ball appeared to have gone out of play in the build-up, but the referee let the goal stand.

Notts showed more intent at the start of the second half, with some penetrating play causing some concern to City, even though Emmanuel-Thomas continued to show glimpses of magic at the other end.

Just after the hour, the visitors were undone again when the 24-year-old former Arsenal academy man surged forward and slotted a low ball past Carroll.

By this point it was game over, and City were enjoying themselves, even though Notts continued to push forward and saw Robins goalkeeper Frankie Fielding require to pull off a save from Garry Thompson.

However, the fourth goal duly came when Bryan cut the ball back from the touchline for Williams to drive a low shot into the far corner past Carroll.

The result means that Notts slip to 12th after a run of three successive losses.