Martin Paterson thrilled with Notts County response to falling behind

Notts County manager Martin Paterson felt his side were good value for their 2-1 victory over fellow promotion-chasers Swindon at Meadow Lane.

The Magpies were forced to come from behind after Ollie Clarke’s strike had given Swindon the lead against the run of play six minutes before the break.

However, they pulled off a successful turnaround as Alassana Jatta levelled just five minutes later before substitute Matthew Dennis made an instant impression by netting a 66th-minute winner.

“I was delighted with the performances, and it’s interesting this year because it’s so tight, so you’re always delighted to win,” said Paterson.

“I was really disappointed (to go behind) It’s a goal that we don’t expect to concede, but the fantastic thing is we got back on the horse and we replied in the half.

“I was delighted, although it changed my half-time speech a little bit! But then, it’s just a sign to always try and get better.”

The result lifted County to fifth, just two points off the top three, and Paterson was full of praise for Dennis, whose winner came just 17 seconds after his introduction from the bench.

“I’m delighted for Matthew to get his goal and to keep his form up, and it’s a team game, so I need everyone,” Paterson added.

“The good thing I like about the culture here is that the attitude and competitiveness of everyone is really, really good.

“We’re starting to really build, and have different people champing at the bit, wanting to start and to challenge one another.”

While Paterson praised his fit and firing squad, Swindon manager Ian Holloway rued the opposite side of the coin as his side’s losing run stretched to three games.

“We look a tad inexperienced at times and it’s difficult for our new, younger players to come in and help at the minute,” he said.

“We’re all a bit sad in that dressing room, but you’ve got to keep going. I saw body language that looks like we’re on a bad run.”

Holloway also reflected on the fine margins of a game that could have gone the other way, only for his side to come away empty-handed.

“I don’t know how we didn’t equalise at the end, but strange things happen when you’re on a run like this,” he said.

“It’s all a bit weird, but this is when you find out things about yourself, you find out things about the group, and if you need to add things.

“If we were winning like we were a few months ago, things are a lot easier then, but we just need to turn that corner.”