Stuart Maynard hails impact of Jevani Brown as Notts County beat Alfreton

Notts County head coach Stuart Maynard hailed the impact of forward Jevani Brown as the Magpies coasted to a 5-1 FA Cup first-round victory over Alfreton.

Alassana Jatta and Brown both scored twice in the second half as County progressed to round two despite Liam Waldock giving the visitors an early lead.

The away side took a 14th-minute lead when Jake Day found Waldock, who fired home.

County levelled two minutes later as a long-range effort from Matty Platt found the bottom corner.

The Magpies took the lead early in the second half when Brown fired across for Jatta to score and the two combined once more in the 62nd minute when Jatta slid the ball beneath George Willis.

Brown converted from the penalty spot with five minutes remaining and completed his brace in the closing stages after Kellan Gordon’s shot was saved and deflected into his path.

Maynard said: “The lads dug deep, and we have got that in us. We have gone behind and we have stayed calm but for me Jevani Brown tonight was outstanding. Two goals and two assists and we are starting to see what he is about.

“We knew what we had got, and we knew the ability he has, and he is still a way away from where we feel he can be, but he is nearly there.”

Alfreton manager Billy Heath was proud of his National League North side despite the heavy defeat.

Heath said: “I thought we were excellent first half, but we were well-beaten in the second half. Notts County are excellent, superb and we could not match the fitness.

“The players have given everything that they could tonight, we were a little bit naïve at times, but I think in all we can simply only be proud of the players.”