Martin Paterson lauds comprehensive Notts County win at Accrington

Head coach Martin Paterson has a ‘quiet confidence’ in his Notts County side after their emphatic 4-0 win at Accrington.

The Magpies remain in fourth place but he hopes more of the same in the final nine games will boost his side’s automatic push.

County opened the scoring on nine minutes when Jodi Jones fired home.

A defensive mix-up gifted County a second on 31 minutes as Conor Grant pounced on the loose ball, sending Keanan Bennetts clear and he finished well.

The visitors were in charge and made it three on 68 minutes with Grant’s strike initially saved by Ollie Wright but he fired home the rebound.

Two substitutes combined on 83 minutes with Alassana Jatta squaring for Tyrese Hall for the fourth.

Paterson said: “It’s a great response although, to be honest, I didn’t feel I really needed a response from Saturday’s loss to Chesterfield as I was proud of the players – how we took on a very good team in Chesterfield with 10 men and scored two goals.

“I bottled up that confidence into this game and the lads rewarded the supporters who came, we had a great backing.

“I am pleased, it was a performance of good dominance, with respect, and now we have to bottle that up and continue it. We passed with confidence.

“The four who scored all deserved their goals, some of the performances were fantastic.

“I don’t usually single out individuals but I am delighted for Conor Grant, to play a false nine and a nine when you are not a natural one is hard but he did ever so well. There were loads of great performances but the team performance was most pleasing.

“I have a quiet confidence but we have to keep working, stay positive and keep doing the right things and playing in that manner.”

Mid-table Stanley have now not won in six league games, suffering with injuries and suspensions, and manager John Doolan said: “It wasn’t us.

“It was one game too much for the limited squad and the players we have available. The lads are giving everything but it lacked quality.

“The decision-making at times wasn’t us. We didn’t do the basics, there was a lack of communication.

“We have got one of the best defensive records in the league and for that to go is disappointing.

“They are a really good side and they have players who can hurt you and they hurt us but the goals were soft.

“At the break I asked the lads to start on the front foot, we had a couple of chances, but it was just one of those nights for us where, while they are a good side, we have made them look even better.”