Notts County recorded a first win at Plainmoor since dropping to the National League, beating Torquay 2-1 despite finishing the game with ten men following Ruben Rodrigues' sending off.
The Magpies took the lead through Macaulay Langstaff's 24th goal of the season after a fierce left-footed strike, only for Gary Johnson's side to level before half-time after Tom Lapslie capitalised on a mistake from John Bostock.
Luke Williams' side restored their lead two minutes into the second half, with Aaron Nemane tripped inside the area by the Gulls goal-scorer, with Rodrigues stepping up to send Mark Halstead the wrong way.
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But the midfielder's afternoon came to an end just after the hour-mark, receiving a second bookable offence after handling Bostock's overhit free-kick - one of many bizarre decisions made by referee Paul Johnson.
Ahead of kick-off, the Magpies boss made two changes to the side that overcame Solihull Moors in midweek to achieve a new club record of 20 games unbeaten in the league, with Bostock and Sam Austin replacing Geraldo Bajrami and Cedwyn Scott.
The hosts provided an early scare when Aden Baldwin misjudged an early ball over the top, allowing Tope Fadahunsi the opportunity to open the scoring, only for the Notts defender to make amends for his earlier error with a last ditch tackle inside the area.
Gary Johnson's side were intent on being aggressive early on, with a number of challenges flying in with Connell Rawlinson and Bostock being the unfortunate recipients, with Ryan Hanson seeing yellow.
But Torquay continued to look dangerous on the break, with a ball into the area causing confusion inside the Magpies penalty area as Rawlinson almost headed into his own net, forcing Sam Slocombe into producing an unbelievable save to tip the ball over.
However, Williams' side managed to find the opener through their master marksman, with Langstaff swivelling on the edge of the area before arrowing a left-footed strike beyond the grasp of Halstead in front of the travelling Notts contingent.
Arguably the defining moment of the first half came just before the equaliser, with Hanson again at the centre of attention after hauling down Rodrigues but escaping a second caution - the resulting free-kick saw Bostock give away possession cheaply in midfield, with the ball eventually finding its way to Lapslie in the area to finish beyond Slocombe.
But just like he did against Solihull, Rodrigues restored the Magpies' lead two minutes after the restart following excellent work from Nemane, with the midfielder sending Halstead the wrong way to score his third penalty in the space of a week.
However, the Portuguese midfielder was given his marching orders just after the hour-mark for a second bookable offence after handling the ball from Bostock's overhit free-kick, leaving the Magpies to play the final 25 minutes with a man less.
Despite the man advantage, the hosts struggled to break down the resolute Notts defence, with the visitors almost adding to their lead late on with Jodi Jones slicing a shot agonisingly wide.
The win was greeted by huge cheers from the travelling 489 Notts fans behind the goal, with the win seeing them remain at the National League summit and open up a comfortable gap between themselves and the chasing pack, with Chesterfield and Woking both losing this afternoon.
Here is how we rated Williams' side this afternoon.
Sam Slocombe - 7
Produced an excellent save to keep the scores level in the first half. Not helped by his team-mates for the equaliser but continues to look ever-more comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Kyle Cameron - 7
Was keen to get forward and aid attacks on several occasions, with his driving runs with the ball from defence relieving the pressure that was evident in the first half.
Aden Baldwin - 7
Provided a few nervy moments with some careless passing out from the back, but improved as the game went on, defending well for the majority.
Connell Rawlinson - 7
Struggled early on with the physical presence of Fadahunsi, but improved as the game went on, showing his leadership and defensive qualities when going down to ten men.
Adam Chicksen - 6.5
Grew into the game more as it went on, producing a mature display when down to ten men.
Aaron Nemane - 8
Looked lively every time he got the ball, driving past the Torquay defence with ease at times, resulting in the penalty in the second half.
John Bostock - 7
Lost possession cheaply in midfield shortly before the equaliser. Improved as the game went on, using his experience to great effect once again.
Matty Palmer - 7
Kept the game ticking in midfield on a difficult surface at Plainmoor. Looked to aid attacks but produced a professional defensive minded display following the sending off.
Ruben Rodrigues - 7.5
He was everywhere at Plainmoor, producing a different display to the one that we saw against Solihull - but still producing the goods from the penalty spot. Unfortunate to see red after deliberately handling the ball.
Sam Austin - 6
Failed to make an impact during his time on the pitch, but was energetic and pressed well.
Macaulay Langstaff - 9
Another goal to add to his growing collection, producing an excellent instinctive finish to give his side the lead. Absolutely ran his socks off and chased down everything, including in the defensive half.
SUBS:
Jodi Jones - 7
Another encouraging performance from the midfielder, showing some nice touches and almost adding to the score-line, seeing his effort sliced wide.
Cedwyn Scott - 6
Held the ball up in the corner during the final stages of the game, frustrating the Torquay players.
Geraldo Bajrami - 6
A late change for Connell Rawlinson.
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