Notts County 2-1 Crewe Alexandra

What a superb win, and what a superb way to get it. Notts County's form has been shaky of late, with three consecutive defeats making Magpie fans more than a little nervous, but the response today was a 2-1 win against Crewe Alexandra, courtesy of a stunning finish at the death from newcomer Billy Daniels.

The Alex were first to threaten when Jamie Ness won a free-kick four minutes in, with Alan Tate getting to the ball first and sending a header just wide of goal.

On nine minutes, Ness sent Nicky Ajose through on goal, but the striker’s touch was heavy and keeper Roy Carroll was able to come out and save.

Two minutes later a James Jones pass got Uche Ikpeazu in behind. He was beaten to the ball by Carroll, but the loose sphere fell to Ajose, who missed the target.

Notts then started to respond, and on 16 minutes Kwame Thomas nodded over after getting above Jon Guthrie to meet a cross from the left flank, and minutes later, Haydn Hollis headed wide from a set-piece.

It looked as though the first half would end all square, but Ikpeazu then conceded a free-kick in stoppage time and the ball was delivered into the Alex box, where Thomas was sent down by Guthrie’s swinging leg.

The referee pointed to the spot and Liam Noble planted the dead ball into the bottom corner despite goalkeeper Garratt getting the faintest of touches.

Less than two minutes after the restart, the Notts defence was found wanting as Ness charged forward and drove low past Carroll from 20 yards out to level proceedings.

Both sides gave it their all throughout the second half, but luckily the Magpies would go on to secure all three points in spectacular fashion.

A cross from the left wing was beautifully met on the volley by substitute Daniels, the ball soaring into the top corner from 15 yards, much to the unadulterated joy of the home faithful.

Crewe never really threatened to get back into it and despite Noble being sent off for a second yellow in injury time, the hosts held on.