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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Notts County vs Oldham Athletic player ratings: Austin and Scott impress in final game of 2022

Four first half goals from Notts County saw them end 2022 with a win as they beat Oldham Athletic 4-1 at Meadow Lane.

The Magpies took the lead early on with Cedwyn Scott hitting double figures for the season with a smart header, only for Joe Nuttall to level on his Latics debut under a minute later.

But the lead was restored shortly after, with captain Kyle Cameron doing well to finish from a tight angle for his first goal of the campaign and becoming the 14th Notts player to find the back of the net this season.

READ MORE: Notts County team news vs Oldham confirmed as Chicksen returns but Langstaff absent

Ruben Rodrigues added a third after reacting first to Scott's initial effort, with Scott not to be denied his second goal of the afternoon, producing an instinctive finish inside the area to complete the scoring.

Ahead of kick-off, Williams made five changes from the side that beat Chorley in the FA Trophy, with Adam Chicksen returning to the starting line-up following his injury against Gateshead 12 days ago.

The scoring started just four minutes into the half, with Sam Austin doing well on the right-hand side to provide an inch-perfect cross onto the head of Scott to give the Magpies the perfect start.

However, their lead lasted barely a minute, with Oldham's newest recruit Nuttall marking his debut with a goal, finding the top corner with the aid of a Sam Slocombe fingertip.

But in what proved to be a frantic opening ten minutes, Notts regained their lead through their captain, with Cameron finishing well from a tight angle following Ed Francis' initial free-kick effort.

With three goals in the opening nine minutes, those inside Meadow Lane had to wait until the 41st to see another, with Rodrigues the first to react to Scott's goal-bound effort to put some daylight between the two sides.

But the first half scoring continued, with the pairing of Rodrigues and Scott combining again, this time the Portuguese midfielder nodded the ball into the path of the Notts number 19 to grab his second of the afternoon.

The hosts continued to dominate in the second half, with Chicksen almost finding Scott in the box to complete his hat-trick, only for defender Peter Clarke to produce a brilliant clearance off the line and away.

Scott continued his search for his first hat-trick in a Notts shirt, with the influential Austin slipping him in behind late on, only for Magnus Norman to smother the ball at his feet.

The result sees Notts end the year with 101 points during 2022, scoring 111 goals with 63 of those coming during Williams' tenure at the club.

Here is how we rated the Magpies this afternoon.

Sam Slocombe - 6.5

Was rarely troubled afternoon and was almost able to keep Nuttall's strike out. Much more comfortable with his feet and relieved the pressure on a number of occasions.

Kyle Cameron - 8

Finally got the goal his performances have threatened in recent weeks, finishing smartly from a tight angle. Continually offered himself going forward and was defensively sound against the useful Nuttall.

Aden Baldwin - 7

So calm and composed on the ball, but Baldwin was never really tested on the afternoon. His passing ability allowed Notts to break through the lines with ease.

Richard Brindley - 6.5

The physical presence of Nuttall proved a challenge in the first half, but the defender did not shy away and managed to nullify the threat of the Oldham striker while offering an option going forward.

Adam Chicksen - 7

Picked up a number of excellent positions particularly in the second half, delivering some dangerous balls into the area which should have warranted more. Great to have him back in the side.

Aaron Nemane - 7

A more defensively-minded performance from Nemane this afternoon, with his positioning tested against Oldham's wide players. Was on hand to provide several attacking bursts and kept possession well.

Matty Palmer - 8

Another composed midfield display from Palmer, with his controlling of games and passing ability levels above the National League. Getting him to sign a new contract could be the signing of the season.

Ed Francis - 7.5

Involved in the opening two goals, being influential in the play leading up to them. Calm in possession and hardly gave the ball away. A fantastic couple of performances from the midfielder.

Sam Austin - 9

Followed on from his performance in the FA Trophy with another impressive display. Linked up well with Chicksen down the left-hand side and was on hand to win possession high up the pitch.

Ruben Rodrigues - 8

Grew into the game and influenced a number of opportunities for his side. Got the goal his performance merited through great anticipation, with his skill on Dan Gardner providing the midfielder another highlight for his showreel.

Cedwyn Scott - 9

No Macaulay Langstaff, no problem. Grabbed two goals and took his tally to double figures for the season. Influential in the build-up and clinical with his finishing.

SUBS:

John Bostock - 6

Kept possession well and looked comfortable throughout. Some more good minutes.

Quevin Castro - 6

Almost marked his first touch with a goal, seeing his effort hit the post late on.

Kairo Mitchell -

Involved briefly when coming on, making a real nuisance with his physical presence. Took a whack from Brindley's effort on goal.

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