Stevenage were humbled at home on Saturday afternoon as Notts County put three past Maamria’s men with no reply...
A goal conceded inside the first minute set the tone as the Magpies soared into a 3-0 lead at half-time, which they were able to see out during the second half to boost their Sky Bet League Two survival chances.
Dino Maamria named two changes to the side that drew at Macclesfield six days prior, bringing in Arthur Iontton and Danny Newton for Michael Timlin and Kurtis Guthrie.
Supporters had barely had the chance to sit down and take to their seats by the time County took the lead. Jim O’Brien unleashing an ambitious effort after just 40 seconds that took a cruel deflection to wrong-foot Farman in goal.
With 20 minutes played, Notts doubled their advantage. Kane Hemmings latching onto a looped ball in-behind the defence before finishing with style. Danny Newton headed wide soon after in what turned out to be a pivotal moment in the afternoon’s proceedings.
In need of a change, Sonupe replaced Makasi but just before two minutes oof added time was shown, Boldewijn made it three with an arrowed finish into the near post following good work from John Stead to hold the ball up before waiting for support. A fitting way to end a nightmare first half.
Stevenage came out with the added urgency you could expect for a side facing a three-goal deficit as they threw everything at the Notts County back-line. Ball after ball was whipped across Duffy’s defence to no avail as a mixture of bad luck and decision-making saw Boro come out of their best spell of the game with nothing to show for it.
Ilias Chair brought about a brilliant save from Schofield on 70 minutes, the first real action that the Notts goalkeeper was called upon to that point as the QPR loanee fired for the top corner from the edge of the box. Chances continued to prove difficult to create and as the game drew towards a conclusion, it became clear that it just wasn't going to be Stevenage's day.
In the end, neither side were able to add to the scoreline as Stevenage must now plot a return to winning ways at Blundell Park next weekend.
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