Match Report: Notts County cement hold on top of League Two after thrashing Exeter City

So the crunch clash of the top two teams in League Two ended up being somewhat one-sided. And luckily for us, it was Notts County who emerged triumphant with a frankly frightening 3-0 win at Exeter City.

The nerves of the travelling Magpies fans - plus those following on the radio or online - were eased within the opening 90 seconds of the game.

A long kick from goalkeeper Adam Collin was flicked on and Lewis Alessandra, spotting Grecians goalkeeper Christy Pym off his line, lobbed a fine first-time effort over the head of the stranded stopper and into the net.

Exeter had an appeal for a penalty turned down minutes later when Jake Taylor broke into the box and went down under a tackle from Nicky Hunt, but referee Kevin Johnson deemed it a fair challenge.

The pendulum then swung back Notts's way as they won a number of corners, with Richard Duffy flicking one over at the near post.

Pierce Sweeney then misjudged a long ball that allowed Terry Hawkridge to break into the box but he fluffed his lines by firing over.

To their credit the hosts mustered several dangerous efforts on goal, as Jake Taylor rifled straight at Collin, while Lee Holmes stung the palms of the goalkeeper with a fierce effort from distance.

Exeter's best chance came shortly before the half-hour mark when Craig Woodman's cross was nodded down by Jayden Stockley and Taylor smashed his effort straight at Collin.

Notts rode out the storm and, in the 62nd minute, doubled their lead as a corner kick caused havoc in the six-yard box and the ball was turned in by the incredible Jorge Grant, who had been on the pitch for five minutes.

Jonathan Forte was narrowly off target for County, while Stockley headed high for Exeter, but Grant bagged his second eight minutes from time after beating the offside trap to volley home.

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