Goals from Adam Chicksen and Ruben Rodrigues ensured Notts County returned to the top of the National League table with a comfortable 2-0 win over Eastleigh.
Before the encounter in Hampshire, the Magpies had failed to win or score in their previous three visits to the Silverlake Stadium and had to remain patient to find the opening goal.
Zimbabwean full-back Chicksen added to his tally for the season, nodding home from Tobi Adebayo-Rowling's cross for his seventh goal of the campaign.
READ MORE: Notts County team news as Luke Williams makes four changes against Eastleigh
And the result was all-but-sealed 16 minutes from time, with Rodrigues rounding off a brilliant move, stabbing the ball beyond Joe McDonnell in the Eastleigh net.
Wrexham's draw with Wealdstone sees Notts return to the summit of the table ahead of a potential record-breaking weekend against Yeovil Town next Saturday.
Ahead of kick-off, Luke Williams made four changes to the side that drew at Southend in midweek, with Adebayo-Rowling, Connell Rawlinson, Ed Francis and Sam Austin coming into the side.
The visitors dominated possession in the opening 45 minutes, controlling the threat of the Spitfires with relative ease but were unable themselves to test McDonnell in the Eastleigh net.
Austin almost returned to the starting line-up with a goal, seeing his effort deflected behind with Macaulay Langstaff having the other opportunity of note, firing a left-footed narrowly over the bar.
But their patience in possession soon paid off, with Adebayo-Rowling finding space down the right-hand side and standing up a cross to the back post, with Chicksen on hand to nod the ball beyond the Eastleigh 'keeper.
And the win was confirmed in stylish fashion, with Rodrigues producing neat interchange with Cedwyn Scott before prodding the ball into the net for his fifth goal of the campaign.
Following the game, here is how we rated the Magpies players.
Sam Slocombe - 7
Was quick off his line to clear overhit balls into safety, whilst also being assured with his passing throughout. Made an important save in the second half to deny George Langston to keep an eighth clean sheet of the season.
Kyle Cameron - 6
Keen to drive forward and help attacks, producing a number of teasing balls into the Eastleigh area. A mixed afternoon for the Notts skipper, caught out on a couple of occasions in dangerous areas with the game level.
Connell Rawlinson - 7
Rarely troubled all afternoon, marshalling Tristan Abrahams who was pedestrian at times. Kept it simple and did not overcomplicate the play when in possession.
Richard Brindley - 7
Again, a relatively comfortable afternoon for the defender, who was rarely troubled all evening by Vincent Harper.
Adam Chicksen - 9
The man with the goal-scoring touch. In the right place at the right time to nod home his seventh of the season. His endless energy gave Brennan Camp a nightmare all evening and ensured he remained defensively sound throughout.
Tobi Adebayo-Rowling - 8
Guilty of squandering good opportunities in the wide positions during the first half, but got the important one right in the second half, planting the ball on the head of Chicksen. Another impressive display.
Matty Palmer - 7
Was always an option in midfield, keeping the game ticking throughout and ensuring the Magpies controlled the game. Produced a crunching tackle in midfield with the scores level which seemed to inspire his team.
Ed Francis - 6
Kept it simple on his return to the side but did show lapses in concentration, as was evident for his booking. A solid performance on his first start since August.
Ruben Rodrigues - 8
Influential as ever, dropping deep to pick up the ball and drive at the Eastleigh defence. Thoroughly deserving of his goal following his performance and given a well-deserved rest once the game was out of sight.
Sam Austin - 7
Picked up a number of excellent positions in between the strikers and midfield. His first 90 minutes since the end of August, and he made a great case as to why he should be starting in Williams' side.
Macaulay Langstaff - 6
To have only just reached more games played than goals scored is testament of how good this man has been this season. Ran the channels well but had only one opportunity of not during the game.
SUBS:
Cedwyn Scott - 6
Replaced Ed Francis in an offensive change and almost scored with another trademark effort.
Kairo Mitchell - 6
Held the ball up well when coming on.
Geraldo Bajrami - 6
A late change for Ruben Rodrigues. Battled well when introduced.
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