Magpies fly high

Notts County consolidated their position in the League Two play-off places with a dominating performance and a 2-0 over Hereford.

A goal in each half from winger Craig Westcarr and central defender Mike Edwards clinched the Magpies victory.

But Hereford should have taken the lead in the 20th minute when goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel conceded a penalty when he upended Marc Pugh in front of goal.

However, Schmeichel made amends when he flew across the goalmouth to stop Ryan Valentine's spot-kick at the foot of the post.

The Magpies responded to take the lead in the 31st minute when their lively striker Lee Hughes slipped the ball to Westcarr who drilled it through the legs of goalkeeper Adam Bartlett into the net from close range.

Striker Luke Rodgers then went close to doubling the Magpies advantage with a 18-yard drive which whizzed past Hereford's far post.

Four minutes before the break Hereford looked to have had a lucky equaliser when Graham Lee headed the ball into his own net when under a challenge from striker Mathieu Manset, only for Manset to be ruled offside by referee Scott Mathieson.

But County's central defender Edwards snapped up the Magpies second in the 51st minute when he volleyed a free-kick from Ben Davies past goalkeeper Bartlett into the net.

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