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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Leigh Curtis

'Magic' - Notts County player ratings as Magpies turn on the style at Dover Athletic

Notts County earned a third straight win in the National League with a ruthless second-half performance as Ian Burchnall's side saw off 10-man Dover Athletic.

Ed Francis opened the scoring for the club in the 60th minute as he sent a majestic 35-yard lob over the head of Alexis Andre before Callum Roberts added a second.

And Ruben Rodrigues scored a majestic third late on when he curled a delicious free-kick beyond Alexis Andre.

It was no more than Notts deserved in a game they dominated but were guilty of missing some terrific chances in the first half due to wasteful finishing and inspired goalkeeping.

Roberts and Rodrigues were both denied by Dover's Andre who ensured the sides went in goalless at the break.

But the hosts were reduced to 10 men early in the second half when Myles Judd picked up a second yellow card for a cynical challenge on Aaron Nemane.

Francis then gave Notts the breakthrough and further chances followed as Rodrigues headed over from close range when it looked easier to score.

However, Roberts killed the game off when he danced his way into the area and applied a cool finish before Rodrigues hit a stunning 25-yard free-kick.

Here are you player ratings from the Crabble.

Sam Slocombe: Was a spectator for the entire game as Dover failed to register a shot on target. Most of his work was routine and carried out with a minimum of fuss. 6

Jayden Richardson: Showed real quality throughout the game and delivered a peach of a cross that Rodrigues should have buried. A terrific performance from start to finish. 8

Sam Graham: The back four had it easy in the first half and Graham coasted through the opening 45 minutes and caught the eye with one glorious pass. 7

Alex Lacey: Restored to the side in the place of Connell Rawlinson and enjoyed a very comfortable night at the Crabble. Read the game very well. 7

Adam Chicksen: Hard to recall many crosses that came from him in the first half but he showed plenty of energy and was often smart in possession. 7

Matt Palmer: One glorious pass should have led to a goal early on which just underlined the quality he has when allowed space and time to get his head up. 7

Ed Francis: A really shrewd performance from the ex-Manchester City midfielder who just gave Notts an extra layer of protection in the middle of the pitch and scored a quite brilliant goal. 8

Eli Sam: Got into some really promising positions, but just couldn't find the final pass which was unlike him given his form of recent months. 6

Ruben Rodrigues: Should have put Notts in front with a header when he was left totally unmarked. Would have put your house on him to score too. Scored a masterful free-kick. 8

Callum Roberts: Forced Alexis Andre into an early save and he looked a threat whenever he had the ball. Forced a number of saves from the goalkeeper and scored a goal of real magic. 8

Aaron Nemane: Had the pace to hurt the Dover defence and was constantly on the move in a bid to try to find space to hurt them and it was his pace that led to the host's red card. 6

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