A first hat-trick in the colours of Notts County for Macaulay Langstaff ensured Luke Williams' side maintained their unbeaten start to the National League, coming away 5-0 winners away at Dagenham & Redbridge.
The Magpies dominated the opening exchanges and were rewarded in the 19th minute after a high ball into the area eventually fell to the feet of Langstaff, who swivelled and fired the ball underneath Elliott Justham.
And their dominance continued throughout, with Aaron Nemane's effort rattling the crossbar, but the right-back was on hand to provide an assist for Notts second goal, with Cedwyn Scott on the move to place Nemane's deflected shot goal-bound after beating the offside trap.
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That alertness and instinctiveness was on show once again for Notts' third of the afternoon, with Langstaff doing well again to anticipate Scott's effort which was well saved by Justham, only for the ball to fall into the path of the Magpies number nine to tap home on the line for his eighth goal of the season.
Since his arrival from Gateshead in the summer, Langstaff has scored three braces and he almost grabbed his first hat-trick in Notts colours, with Jim O'Brien's whipped delivery just needing a touch as it sailed agonisingly beyond the stretch of the Notts number nine.
But Notts continued dominance eventually resulted in adding to the score-line. After Williams explained that his left-full back was reaping the rewards of being in the right position at the right time, Adam Chicksen was on hand to smash home his second goal in as many games, drilling the ball low with his weaker right-foot beyond Justham.
However, Langstaff was not to be denied his maiden hat-trick ball for the Magpies. Excellent build-up play down the left saw Kyle Cameron's whipped delivery stopped dead by the number nine, who placed the ball into the far corner and compound the Daggers to a third defeat of the campaign.
Following the result, here is how we rated the Magpies' performance.
Sam Slocombe - 7
Was rarely troubled on a relatively comfortable afternoon for the Notts 'keeper. Calm and composed with his feet and commanding in the air.
Richard Brindley - 7
Brilliant again from the centre-back, and brilliant from the whole defence.
Aden Baldwin - 7
Dealt well with the presence of Paul McCallum throughout, and was continually driving from defence, making good yards and winning free-kicks in valuable positions for his team.
Kyle Cameon - 7
Was rarely troubled all afternoon, keeping McCallum and Weston quiet all afternoon in another solid display at the back. His calmness and composure when under pressure was extremely impressive.
Aaron Nemane - 7
Was another brilliant performance from the right-back, driving at his man with his pace and directness and was unlucky to see his effort smash against the crossbar in the first half.
Adam Chicksen - 8
Endless energy, brilliant defensively and getting on the scoresheet once again. He took his goal brilliantly on his weaker side, and Williams did say if he continues to get in the right positions he will score goals.
Matty Palmer - 7
Nothing flash about his performance, but it was a brilliant one at that. Did the stuff not many notice, keeping Notts ticking and halting Dagenham in attack.
Jim O'Brien - 7
A brilliant display from the midfielder. Was a lot more attacking than normal, and was a real threat driving forward from defensive midfield.
Ruben Rodrigues - 7
This is why this man is attracting interest from the EFL. Another fantastic midfield display, with Dagenham obsessed with closing him down, giving the likes of Palmer and O'Brien loads of time in midfield.
Macaulay Langstaff - 9
Erling Haaland who? Took both his goals extremely well in the first half, showing off his predatory instincts once again to stay on his toes and being in the right place, at the right time. Finally got his hat-trick in the second half, another brilliant finish. Nine goals in six games, remember the name, Macaulay Langstaff.
Cedwyn Scott - 8
Stayed alive when the Dagenham defence did not, finishing from the line for his second goal of the season. His build-up play and neat touches was much better and made Notts a real threat going forward.
SUBS -
Sam Austin - 7
Provided Notts with that energy in midfield following O'Brien's departure. Almost opened his account for the season but was denied by a brilliant diving save.
Geraldo Bajrami - 7
Can feel a little hard done by following his performance against Solihull, but was again solid and composed at the back, battling hard and being calm in possession.
Ed Francis - 6
Calm and composed in midfield, keeping Notts ticking in the latter stages of the contest.
