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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. Â
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. Â Â
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. Â
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. Â
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. Â
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. Â
Notts made substitutions of their own, with Kellan Gordon and Curtis Edwards introduced to freshen up the midfield, while William Jarvis replaced Jones. Â
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. Â
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.  Â
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. Â
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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