
By PON_News
Notts County secured a battling 2-1 victory over Gillingham at Priestfield Stadium, extending their impressive start to the League Two campaign.
First-half goals from Nick Tsaroulla and David McGoldrick gave the Magpies a commanding lead, but a late strike from Joseph Gbode set up a tense finish.
The visitors controlled possession with 56% but had to weather periods of pressure from Gillingham, who registered four shots on target compared to Notts County’s three.
In a feisty contest, both sides racked up the fouls, with the Magpies committing 11 and receiving four yellow cards, while Gillingham were penalised 13 times and had five players booked.
Stuart Maynard’s side came out with attacking intent, and their early pressure paid off in the 12th minute. Jodi Jones, a constant threat down the wing, delivered a pinpoint cross that found Nick Tsaroulla, who expertly steered placed the ball past Glenn Morris to give Notts the lead.
The visitors continued to push forward, forcing Gillingham into some last-ditch defending. Just before the half-hour mark, McGoldrick doubled the advantage. The experienced forward took advantage of a defensive mistake, scoring from close range after a good play by Matt Palmer and Charlie Whitaker.
Gillingham struggled to break down a resolute Notts defence in the first half, with their best effort coming from Asher Agbinone, whose long-range strike was comfortably saved by Alex Bass.
Neil Harris made a change at the break, bringing on Joseph Gbode to add more attacking impetus. The Gills came out with greater intensity, and Armani Little tested Bass with a powerful effort from distance in the 62nd minute.
Notts made substitutions of their own, with Kellan Gordon and Curtis Edwards introduced to freshen up the midfield, while William Jarvis replaced Jones.
Despite their control of possession, Notts were given a scare in the 80th minute when Gillingham pulled a goal back. Little whipped in a dangerous corner, and Gbode rose highest to guide a header into the bottom corner, setting up a nervy final 10 minutes.
Gillingham pushed for an equaliser, with Sam Gale’s late header forcing a save from Bass, but Notts held firm. The visitors had a couple of opportunities to kill the game off, with McGoldrick seeing a shot blocked and Matty Platt heading narrowly over from a corner.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the travelling Notts fans, who saw their side withstand a spirited second-half display from Gillingham. The Magpies’ ability to take their chances proved the difference, as they made it back-to-back league victories.
With another three points secured, Stuart Maynard’s men continue their push at the top end of League Two, showing resilience alongside their attacking quality.
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