Notts County equalled a club record of 19 league games unbeaten in a season with a 1-0 victory over Halifax Town at Meadow Lane.
In the Magpies' first Saturday 3pm kick-off in almost three months, Macaulay Langstaff continued to cement himself at the top of the National League scoring chart, capitalising on Jamie Stott's back pass before placing the ball into the net in front of the KOP.
The result sees Luke Williams' side remain second in the National League but go level on points with leaders Wrexham and pull 13 points clear of Chesterfield following their defeat to Barnet.
READ MORE: Notts County team news vs Halifax as newest recruit named in matchday squad
Williams made three changes from the side that drew with Boreham Wood in their last National League encounter, with Connell Rawlinson, Jim O'Brien, and Sam Austin all recalled to the starting line-up.
The hosts thought they had opened the scoring inside the first ten minutes when Ruben Rodrigues' inviting cross was headed home by Langstaff, only to be denied by the offside flag on the far side.
In a half that was dominated by Williams' side, chances fell to Adam Chicksen and Matty Palmer in quick succession, both seeing their efforts repelled by the Shaymen defence.
The Notts number nine's frustrations continued as he was found in the box by Rodrigues' loose touch, swivelling to shoot but dragging his shot wide from six yards out.
Despite those early set-backs Langstaff was not to be denied the goal his performance threatened, showing great anticipation and composure to fire home his 23rd goal of the campaign, latching on to Stott's under-hit back pass to round Sam Johnson before placing the ball beyond the defender on the line.
The pattern of the game continued, with the hosts thinking they had an early penalty in the second half after Aaron Nemane was pulled down inside the area, only for referee Matthew Dicicco to wave away their protests, one of many decisions which frustrated those inside Meadow Lane.
And the Magpies could have doubled their lead late on, with Rodrigues opting to shoot instead of passing to Cedwyn Scott who was in space inside the area, forcing Johnson to save with his feet.
Notts continued to create but were ultimately forced to settle for just one goal on an afternoon in which the visitors failed to register a shot on target.
Here is how we rated the Magpies at Meadow Lane this afternoon.
Sam Slocombe - 6
He could have joined Luke Williams on the sidelines to watch. A spectator at best and had a few passes to make when building from the back. Perhaps the easiest clean sheet he'll ever pick up.
Kyle Cameron - 6
Calm and composed from the captain this afternoon, keeping possession well and looking to aid attacks when the opportunity arose. Rarely tested all afternoon.
Aden Baldwin - 6
Looked to create opportunities with his long passing into wide areas which worked during the first half.
Connell Rawlinson - 7
A solid performance on his return to the side, showcasing his experience and quality on the ball to deal with Emmanuel Dieseruvwe.
Adam Chicksen - 7
A continuous threat down the left-hand side, linking up well with Austin and Cameron for the entirety and looking like the attacking threat we saw at the start of the season.
Aaron Nemane - 7
Another excellent performance from the in-form Frenchman. His directness and speed caused the Halifax defence problems all afternoon.
Jim O'Brien - 7.5
Started where he left off following his performance away to Aldershot. He thrives when playing in the attacking areas, but never neglected his defensive duties.
Matty Palmer - 8
This man seems to get better with every game he plays. The midfielder is relishing in that central midfield role, producing yet another composed, combative, and all-round brilliant performance.
Ruben Rodrigues - 7
Looked to influence the game all across the forward line, playing several intricate balls in behind the Halifax defence to create several opportunities.
Sam Austin - 8
Looked to play forward at every opportunity, creating several opportunities and being a real nuisance when closing down the Halifax defence.
Macaulay Langstaff - 8
Showed great anticipation and composure to score the opener. Was probably unlucky not to score a hat-trick after seeing his effort inside the opening ten minutes chalked off.
SUBS:
Cedwyn Scott - 6
Operated in the deeper role just behind Langstaff and looked to thrive there, picking off some nice passes and keeping the ball moving going forward.
Jodi Jones - 6
Showed some nice touches following his introduction, combining well with his teammates on several occasions. A promising start to his Magpies career.
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