Match Report: Notts County climb into playoff places with win in Exeter

Notts County have edged into the League Two playoff places after claiming a 2-0 win at Exeter City on Tuesday night, thanks to Jon Stead's brace.

John Sheridan's charges got off to a dream start just two minutes in as Exeter's Luke Croll missed his tackle, allowing Alex Rodman to run through on goal.

The 29-year-old then squared the ball for Stead to fire into an empty net and take the lead to a silent St James' Park.

From then on the visitors continued to dominate in Devon, although Magpies goalkeeper Adam Collin had to be at his best to deny Jack Stacey at the near post.

Exeter were struggling to do anything of note, with County containing them easily, and they went on to double their lead on 34 minutes.

A free kick into the box from a foul on Jonathan Forte was not dealt with by the Exeter defence and the prolific Stead was on hand to poke home the loose ball from close range.

Notts then soaked up pressure in the second half and Collin had to be alert to keep Exeter at bay, in particular from Reuben Reid's excellent free kick in the final stages.

Ultimately the Magpies were able to see the game out and even claimed a clean sheet for their efforts, which saw them rise up to fifth in League Two - level on points with second-placed Luton Town.

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