Macauley Langstaff continues his scoring streak as Notts County put four past a helpless Scunthorpe United side

Two goals in each half, including a second-half double from Macauley Langstaff, gave Notts County a 4-0 deserved victory.

Langstaff’s pair of goals now means that he is on a spectacular 39 for the season, just one off the National League record.

Notts County started very quickly on Saturday afternoon when a cut back from Aaron Nemane from the by-line found John Bostock who’s on target mishit cannoned off Will Smith’s head, all in the first minute.

All that early pressure by the hosts paid dividends in the eighth minute as Nemane slipped through Ruben Rodrigues down the right whose cross-cum-shot found left-wing back Adam Chicksen at the back post who fired into an empty net.

Soon after taking the lead, Notts County doubled it through a Ben Richards-Everton own goal after a corner was taken quickly with Langstaff finding space in the area and firing a shot that deflected off the defender and looped over the helpless goalkeeper.

The rest of the first period played out rather quietly except when the hosts could get Nemane on the ball down the right flank where the loanee could seemingly create chances out of nothing. After a cagey opening in the second 45, Langstaff got his customary goal in the 73^rd minute with Matt Palmer starting the move with a brilliant drive before he slipped in substitute Sam Austin down the right, who crossed to Langstaff in the centre who emphatically headed home.

Three minutes later Langstaff had his 39^th goal of the season after an impressive team move, culminating in Palmer crossing the ball across the six-yard box for Langstaff to tap home, sending the home crowd into delirium.

Although Langstaff added another two goals to his tally this season he will no doubt be disappointed to have not matched the 40-goal National League record. The striker had more than enough opportunities in a dominant second half to bring home the match ball.

With his double today, Langstaff has now scored in both games against the Irons as he notched a single strike in the reverse fixture at Glanford Park. He scored the third goal in an overwhelming 4-1 victory for the Magpies.

To say Notts County dominated the proceedings would be an understatement. The visitors did not even have a shot at goal and struggled to put at least three passes together throughout. The only thing the club had going for them today was a strong away fan following.

The 40-goal record is currently held by former Dover Athletic striker Ricky Miller who hit the milestone in the 2016/17 season. With six games to go however it doesn’t look like it will be his record for much longer.

Although in his debut season for the Magpies, it just felt as if it was a matter of time before Langstaff made it onto the scoresheet on Saturday afternoon.

In his first proper season of National League football after a successful period with National League North side Gateshead, he has more than proven that he is at home at this level.

It is easy to see why he has had such success at this level. He has old-school striking instincts and always manages to find space in the box such as his goals against Scunthorpe. This trait cannot go underestimated.

If the Magpies fail to earn promotion to League Two, then it will be a matter of time before he is snapped up by a team in the EFL who are looking to add more goals to their side.

With Jamie Vardy proving that there are chances for players to get to the top through the National League, the 26-year-old striker must harbour hopes of making it to those heights one day.

The Englishmen was originally believed to be injured for this tie after leaving England C Team duties early, but he managed to play the whole 90 minutes vs Scunthorpe.

Langstaff was called up the England C squad this month due to his on-pitch success for his club side. The England C squad aims to give recognition to English internationals playing in the lower divisions at a semi-pro level.

Langstaff’s focus however will be on getting promotion for the Magpies this season as they grapple with Hollywood-backed side Wrexham.

With a huge 94 points this season, it will be tough to digest for manager Luke Williams if his side does not gain automatic promotion as that tally of points usually guarantees first place.

With a further six ‘finals’ to go for the Magpies they will need all the help from the passionate home crowd. Today that no doubt helped the team as a 22/23 National League record attendance of 16,086 spurred them on.

If Langstaff continues his rise, then it will only be a matter of time before he starts climbing up the footballing ladder along with this impressive Notts County side.

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