Notts County midfielder Jim O'Brien has explained the emotional feeling behind scoring his second hat-trick for the club in their 5-2 win over Maidstone this afternoon.
The Magpies managed to overcome a second-half scare when two goals in two minutes from George Elokobi's side reduced the lead to just one having dominated the majority of proceedings.
But Notts' first-half display proved to be the difference, with O'Brien doubling Luke Williams' side lead in the 15th minute after Cedwyn Scott had opened the scoring after a mistake in the Stones defence.
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The 35-year-old notched his second of the afternoon on the hour mark after Frank Vincent's effort fell fortuitously into his path on the edge of the box, before rounding off a fine individual performance from the penalty spot.
"It was a bit surreal," O'Brien told BBC Radio Nottingham on trying to find the words to describe the feeling of netting his second hat-trick for the club.
"When Ruben was tripped in the box I knew he was going to give it to me, so fair play to him. It was a tough time in the game as well to see us through and it's a nice feeling, but at this stage of the season it was all about the three points and we know goal difference could come into play too so to get that three-goal swing back was really nice."
When the full-time whistle sounded, a huge sigh of relief was breathed from the travelling Notts contingent as they secured their 15th win on the road this season.
A tradition that has transpired this season, certainly at Meadow Lane, is one of the Magpies players giving a huge fist pump to the supporters - this time it was O'Brien's turn as he clasped the match ball before making his way over to the away section.
His previous hat-trick came two years ago when Coronavirus ensured supporters were not to be in attendance to witness the feat - the midfielder explaining the emotional feeling behind those celebrations with the fans following the full-time whistle.
"When the game kicked off after the penalty, I got a little bit emotional when they were singing and that was a nice feeling.
"The last one was during Covid with no supporters, but I will take it and I am really pleased that the lads dug in and solved our problems - that was the most pleasing thing along with the three points."
With Wrexham confirmed as champions following their 3-1 win over Boreham Wood, Notts will now have to go through they play-offs in order to end their four-year stay in the National League.
O'Brien explained shortly after the game that his side were fully prepared for the play-offs, insisting that he will do everything in his power to ensure the Magpies gain promotion this season.
"We have been focused on the play-offs for the last couple of weeks so we are prepared.
"It would mean everything to win promotion because I was here when we came down and every year we have got that little bit closer and the people around the club deserve it, the supporters deserve it, and I think from what we have produced this season, we deserve it.
"But we have to go and do it, no one is going to give it to us so we have to keep working hard and keep doing what we are doing."
