Notts County secured an impressive 2-0 win away at Carlisle United, weathering a second-half onslaught to take all three points and continue their strong form in League Two.
Goals from Alassana Jatta and Scott Robertson in the first half proved enough to seal victory, despite Carlisle's relentless pressure and dominance in key areas of the pitch.
The Magpies started the match on the front foot, and it didn't take long for their early efforts to be rewarded. In the 10th minute, a pinpoint assist from goalkeeper Alex Bass found Alassana Jatta, who fired a right-footed shot into the roof of the net from close range.
The early strike stunned Carlisle and allowed Notts to dictate the tempo for much of the opening stages.
Carlisle had opportunities of their own, but they lacked the cutting edge to break through the resilient Notts defence.
Jon Mellish had an early attempt go wide, and Dominic Sadi saw his 13th-minute effort saved by Bass. However, the hosts couldn't capitalise on their attacking plays.
The second blow came in the 34th minute when Scott Robertson doubled the lead with a composed left-footed finish, calmly slotting into the top-left corner after a smart cross from Kellan Gordon.
This second goal seemed to sap Carlisle's confidence, leaving the visitors in control as the first half ended with a 2-0 lead.
The statistics, however, told a different story of the match. Carlisle dominated possession with 50.5% compared to Notts County’s 49.5%, but it was their inefficiency in front of goal that proved costly.
The Cumbrians registered seven shots on target compared to Notts’ three, yet were unable to find a way past an in-form Alex Bass.
As the second half kicked off, Carlisle upped the intensity and were constantly knocking on the door. They managed 14 corners to Notts’ three, with Charlie Wyke’s introduction giving them a much-needed physical presence up front.
The veteran striker came close on several occasions, with his best opportunity coming in the 83rd minute, when his header sailed just over the crossbar.
Wyke wasn't the only Carlisle player frustrated, as Cameron Harper struck the woodwork in the 81st minute after being teed up by Jordan Jones. Bass, who was exceptional throughout, denied a number of Carlisle efforts, including crucial stops from Harrison Neal and Harper.
Notts had to rely on some last-ditch defending, particularly from Lewis Macari and Jacob Bedeau, who both conceded late corners while making important interventions.
As the match drew to a close, Carlisle continued to push forward, but Notts held firm, managing to see out the game despite a frantic final few minutes.
The hosts’ frustration boiled over as they committed nine fouls, matching Notts County's total, but with only one yellow card compared to the visitors’ three.
Carlisle’s failure to convert chances was their undoing, leaving Notts County to celebrate a hard-earned victory.
The Magpies' defence, led by Bass in goal, proved too tough to break, while the clinical finishing in the first half ultimately made the difference.
The win sees Notts County continue their push towards the top of the table, while Carlisle will rue their missed opportunities and wonder how they failed to score despite a dominant display in the second half.
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