Football may not be coming home just yet, but Macaulay Langstaff ensured three points returned to Meadow Lane ahead of a pivotal point in Notts County's National League campaign.
In what was a thrilling encounter at York Road, the Magpies ensured they remained top of the table going into their fixture with Gateshead after a below-par second half showing.
Luke Williams' side extended their unbeaten run to 13 games in the league, cementing their place at the top of the away form table, with 27 points taken from a possible 33 so far.
READ MORE: Macaulay Langstaff makes Kyle Cameron point after dramatic Notts County win at Maidenhead
Here are the key talking points from another memorable away day for Notts.
21 league goals by December
This man continues to defy all expectations, but Notts fans have become accustomed to Macaulay Langstaff's predatory finishing, knowing not if, but when the ball finds the back of the net.
While not seeing a lot of the ball throughout the entirety of the game, Langstaff ensured he provided those two important touches to add to his growing collection of Magpies goals.
His winner was something extraordinary given the circumstances of the encounter at that point, producing what he described after the game as his 'best goal so far'.
With 21 this campaign, Langstaff has already scored more goals than Enzio Boldewijn, Kristian Dennis and Kane Hemmings in his first five months as a Notts County player.
The most goals scored by a Magpies player in a season was almost 100 years ago when Tom Keetley netted 39 back in the 1930/31 Division Three South, and Langstaff is currently on track to breaking another record at Meadow Lane.
Kyle Cameron performance
Arguably the Notts captain's best performance so far this season, both defensively and offensively.
His understanding with Adam Chicksen was almost telepathic at times, producing neat interchange down the left-hand side on a number of occasions to cause the Maidenhead defence a multitude of problems.
The 25-year-old provided three assists during his outing at York Road, with his cross for Macaulay Langstaff's winner something out of this world, combining speed and precision to put the ball on a plate for the Notts number nine.
It's a feature of Cameron's game that has been seen more regularly this campaign, looking to offer his support in attacking situations with his wand of a left foot.
And despite being heavily involved in Notts' attacking play, Cameron ensured he remained aware of his defensive responsibilities, producing a number of vital interceptions and blocks at crucial parts of the game.
His close relationship with the fans was also a standout from his performance, producing a touching moment between him and a young supporter who came on the pitch to celebrate Langstaff's first half goal, as well as leading the applause following full time to show his appreciation for the travelling support.
As he held the young supporter aloft, many will be hoping in May that it will be the National League trophy carried above his head.
Set-piece vulnerability
After eradicating that sloppiness from set-pieces in recent weeks, that Achilles heel returned once again as Emile Acquah capitalised twice on the Magpies' failure to clear their lines.
It was a feature of Notts' play last campaign which fans were keen for Luke Williams to address this season, and while it has improved significantly since his arrival, that element of nervousness can be sensed when the opposition get an opportunity close to the box.
Their fixture against Bromley was a prime example of that vulnerability. After dominating the first half, Michael Cheek's header from a corner completely changed the complexion of the game, with Andy Woodman's side keen to utilise that tool for the remainder of the game as the fixture swung in their favour.
It is an area sides will look to exploit in the coming weeks once they watch their performance against Maidenhead, and could be an area that may slightly hinder their progression and become a problem against the sides intending to play that style of football.
While only a small negative on a largely positive day at York Road, conceding those goals will annoy Luke Williams and will be something he will be keen to stamp out of his sides play.
Meadow Lane focus
Having played their final away game of 2022, the Magpies now have three home games in the league to further cement their place at the summit of the table.
Gateshead, Barnet and Oldham all visit Meadow Lane during December, and provides Williams' side with a real chance to widen the gap between themselves and Wrexham, with Phil Parkinson's side taking on Chesterfield on Tuesday evening.
And with a run of important home games coming up, Luke Williams insisted his side should not worry about their home form and continue how they have played for the opening 22 games of the season.
"I think our away record is actually better than our home record but I don't think we need to worry about our form at home in terms of the way we play the game.
"We have been unlucky not to have won one or two more games at home, but I think we are in a good place and we have confidence and momentum behind us.
"So hopefully we now produce some really good performances and get the points at home."
Wholesome moment
While many celebrated Macaulay Langstaff's first goal of the afternoon from behind the railings at York Road, one young supporter wanted to get in on the action as he raced onto the pitch.
The embrace between himself and Kyle Cameron warmed the hearts of everyone during the freezing temperatures in Berkshire, almost providing the loudest cheer of the fixture as the Notts captain held him above his head in front of the travelling fans.
It was a brilliant moment for everyone involved, and something I am sure the young fan will be telling all of his mates in the playground on Monday morning.
READ NEXT:
- Luke Williams details Quevin Castro importance following Maidenhead performance
- Notts player ratings v Maidenhead as Langstaff nets dramatic winner
- Notts County team news vs Maidenhead confirmed as new signing named in squad
- Notts County predicted line-up vs Maidenhead as John Bostock debut expected to be delayed
