Luke Williams described Sam Austin's performance as "fantastic" in Notts County's record-equalling victory over Halifax Town on Saturday afternoon.
The Magpies boss made three changes to the side that drew with Boreham Wood in their last National League outing, with Austin replacing Cedwyn Scott in the front three.
And the midfielder put on another impressive showing from the start, becoming evermore influential in the contest with his direct and busy approach.
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The 26-year-old is one of only six outfield players yet to find the back of the net in the league, having scored four goals in Notts' runs in both the FA Trophy and FA Cup, but the Notts boss was quick to express his delight following his performance against the Shaymen.
"Fantastic, he was absolutely fantastic," said Williams.
"He has worked so hard on his game and his connection with Adam Chicksen, their understanding is incredible and I am so pleased with him and so grateful for his performance."
In a game that could have been won by a more handsome score-line, Macaulay Langstaff's 23rd goal of the season was enough to seal all three points, having already had an effort ruled out for offside in the eighth minute.
There was an element of frustration creeping in around Meadow Lane, with the visitors intending to allow Notts possession and inviting them to break down their compact backline.
On his evaluation of the encounter, Williams explained that Langstaff's goal seven minutes before half-time was important to relieve any tension within his players.
"That was obviously the big pivotal moment because after that everything calms down to some degree.
"Of course, you are then searching for the second goal so it was a bit tenser than we would have liked, but to score before the break I think was massive today."
Despite the domination of the performance, Halifax provided some nervy moments late on as lapses of concentration started to creep into Notts' play.
In their previous encounter earlier on in the season, the Magpies ran away comfortable 4-1 victors courtesy of goals from Langstaff, Scott, and Kairo Mitchell, and Williams was on hand to pinpoint the difference between their win this afternoon and the victory in August.
"When we played away, the pitch was very difficult to play on and they were more front-footed from the beginning of the game and tried to press a bit more.
"We found some gaps today and at their place, they made it extremely difficult for us and I thought they performed brilliantly and we perhaps did not deserve to score four goals.
"Somehow we did, and that leaves a mark on them so they think that they need to deny space in the middle of the pitch more and that was why their game plan changed from the performance at their place."
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