While the weather conditions at the EBB Stadium could have provided Notts County an opportunity to slip up, Luke Williams' side managed to weather an early storm to extend their gap at the top of the table.
The Magpies travelled to Hampshire in search of their first victory of 2023, knowing three points would push them further away from Wrexham and Chesterfield with both in FA Cup action.
Jim O'Brien, Ruben Rodrigues, and Aaron Nemane were on hand to send the travelling 454 fans away happy, as Notts won for the first time at Aldershot since 1988.
READ MORE: Ruben Rodrigues reveals crucial Notts County half-time chat at Aldershot
Here are the key talking points from the win in Hampshire.
Aaron Nemane performance
After missing several games through worries of fatigue, Aaron Nemane has proved in recent weeks the influence he has in this Notts County side.
It was another impressive display from the Frenchman, with the combination of pace and precision used to great effect to torment the Aldershot defence all afternoon.
It was a clear avenue the Magpies were looking to exploit throughout the fixture at the EBB Stadium, with Nemane hugging the touchline and stretching the pitch which allowed space to open up for the likes of Cedwyn Scott and Macaulay Langstaff in the forward areas.
The 25-year-old was on hand to deliver one of many dangerous balls into the Shots penalty area, with his cross eventually falling to the feet of O'Brien to put Williams' side in front after an unusually slow start to the match.
His energy and intensity did not let up despite the testing conditions in Hampshire, providing an outlet to capitalise on the space behind, evident in his goal which forced Luca Ashby-Hammond into making a mistake, but take nothing away from how he finished that opportunity, showing great composure to score for the first time since Notts' away win over Wealdstone back in October.
While many are quick to praise Nemane's threat going forward, his defensive display was also something to be admired, nullifying the threat of Justin Amaluzor and producing some vital interceptions which eased the pressure in the closing stages of the game.
With Tobi Adebayo-Rowling expected to be out for another two weeks following an injury picked up last week, Williams was quick to highlight the importance of Nemane in the coming weeks.
"We are missing Tobi because he hit a very high level and gave us a new option and allowed us to limit the minutes of Adam Chicksen and Aaron.
"Of course, at the moment they need to play and Aaron is going to be a key player for us and we know that."
Clean sheet importance
After going three games without a clean sheet, the importance of producing one at the EBB Stadium will be a huge positive to take away from the game, none more so than for Sam Slocombe.
On an afternoon in which the Notts 'keeper was rarely tested, the nerves from his mistake against Oldham last week were still at the forefront of his mind following a few nervy moments with the ball at his feet early on.
A reaction in defence was needed following the way in which Williams' side conceded to both Oldham and Maidenhead in previous weeks, and the Notts boss will be pleased to stamp out that recent sloppiness ahead of a tough run of fixtures.
Aden Baldwin was the standout amongst the back three, continually getting better with every game and showcasing why the defender was perhaps one of the more underrated acquisitions in the summer.
That makes it 11 clean sheets for the Magpies this season, four more at this stage last campaign which further highlights the improvements made during Williams' tenure at Meadow Lane.
Jim O'Brien return
After his recent struggles with injury, O'Brien proved his importance once again with another exemplary performance in midfield on his return to the side.
Partnering Matty Palmer in central midfield, the 35-year-old was given license to aid attacks along with Ruben Rodrigues, which proved effective with his involvement in his second goal of the season.
But his effectiveness when Aldershot were in possession was something to be admired, often covering when the full-backs got forward and a move broke down in the final third.
His leadership qualities have been evident since he arrived at Meadow Lane, with his communication heard around the stadium despite the almost 3000 packed inside, barking instructions at his teammates, and communicating constantly with his manager.
On review of the goals, O'Brien is the first person to congratulate the scorers and those involved in the move leading up to the goal, further highlighting his instrumental role in the side.
It is four years today since O'Brien signed from Bradford the same day he was released by the Bantams, and he continues to prove his importance in a potential title-winning season.
FA Cup influence
While Notts were dumped out of the FA Cup before the first-round stage, three sides from the National League were in action against league opposition on Saturday afternoon.
Second-placed Wrexham produced one of the shocks of the competition, winning 4-3 away to Championship side Coventry City to add yet another game to their growing fixture list.
Chesterfield suffered late heartache against another second-tier opposition, with Brandon Thomas-Asante's late header forcing a replay at the Hawthorns in nine days.
Tuesday's opponents Boreham Wood also managed to force a third-round replay against Accrington Stanley, with Lee Ndlovu's header keeping Luke Garrard's FA Cup dream alive.
The results do bare some significance for the Magpies, however. Their National League fixture with the Wood will not be affected, but the Spireites' result does offer an interesting look on their fixture with Notts.
Paul Cook's sides third round replay with the Baggies takes place on January 17, meaning their fixture with Wrexham has to be rescheduled, while also having to play four days before their eagerly anticipated clash with Notts at the Technique Stadium.
Williams' side will have a full week to prepare for the fixture with no game in midweek which could be considered a huge advantage going into the game.
Arguably the one takeaway from yesterday's results is that a serious discussion needs to be had about the quality of the sides in the National League and how three up, three down needs to be considered.
Quevin Castro farewell?
Yesterday could have been the final time West Brom loanee Quevin Castro appears for the Magpies this season.
The 21-year-old midfielder signed from the Baggies at the start of the campaign and has played an important part since his arrival at Meadow Lane.
Castro has managed four goals in 14 appearances for Williams' side, showcasing his talents on several occasions with his notable physical presence and rocket of a right foot.
The Notts boss spoke earlier this week about his desire to extend Castro's loan for the second part of the National League season, with conversations held with the club about the possibility of that happening.
Castro would be a welcome addition for the second half of the campaign with the alternative option he offers going forward, but with Carlos Corberán's arrival at the Hawthorns, it is unclear as to whether his form in the fifth tier could pave a way for regular first-team appearances.
Would you like to see Castro's loan extended? Let us know in the comments.
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