Jason Crowe was missing from the bench though with illness, Greg Young took his place.
The County team was littered with Town references. Leftback Ian Baraclough spent just over a season with Town in the early 90's but was never given a chance. Darren Caskey and Clive Platt both were linked with Town in the past, Platt the more recent. Caskey opted to sign for the Magpies ahead of Town two summers ago after his contract expired with Reading.
Town started the game in an impressive manner. Campbell especially was causing havoc down the right for Baraclough with his direct running and cutting in. Onuora was having his best patch in a Town shirt. Playing the last game of his loan spell he had an extra spring in his step. Coincidence maybe? Harsh? Ah well.
Campbell was given a good chance after 10 minutes, Onuora played in neat through ball only for Campbell to have his effort clawed away by Steve Mildenhall in the County goal.
Darren Barnard's freekick presented Nick Daws with a rare chance to get on the scoresheet. The delivery escaped everyone but Daws, also in the final game of a loan spell, unmarked at the back post. Sadly the former Bury man lost his composure and his control was lacking as he volleyed wide.
Barnard again created another chance from a setplay. His clever corner was met by Iain Anderson 25 yards out. The Scot's thunderbolt was heading goalwards but Tony Barras was fortunate/unfortunate enough to be in the way.
Town's goal wasn't long away though. When it did come, in the 22nd minute, it had an air of luck about it, although it was probably deserved on the balance of play. Campbell's floated ball was just too long for Boulding with Mildenhall seemingly in control. The custodian panicked though and dropped the ball at Boulding's feet. With his confidence back Boulding kept his cool and tapped home despite attempts to bring him down. Scrappy but opportunistic.
The goal, as always, saw Town take their foot off the gas and let County back into the game. Relying on Caskey for the creativity, the Magpies were limited but Town did let them play far too much. Only the post prevented Caskey from equalising after a fine turn and shot on the edge of the area.
With neither defence of midifeld picking the former Tottenham man up, County were starting to cause problems. Again he was given time and space to run with the ball and use his creative influence. The main criticism's of Caskey's play is that he's too greedy and too lazy. Both were clear to see. On several occasions he opted to go alone despite having Platt and Heffernan in better positions to score.
Davison was, luckily, equal to everything Caskey could throw though. His fingertip save just before the break was spectacular, his recovery to punch the ball away even more so.
The second half started as the first ended, Town backing off and off and off with no real desire to attack. Onuora was almost camped in his own area leaving Boulding to feed off the measly scraps that were hoofed up to him.
The tricky Heffernan was proving to be a handful and he did breach the defence on occasions only to find Davison off his line to halt his progress. Platt on the otherhand looked woeful, take away the few neat flickon's and he was simply dreadful. Few wanted him to sign for Town in the summer, on this display that opinion was more than justified.
Paul Groves again took on the role of cheerleader to the crowd and in fairness he whipped up a good atmosphere. Whilst I questioned his motives in the Colchester game, a statement I still stand by, the positive effect is clear to see. Fans will respond to a manager who acknowledge the crowd - the players will repsond to a crowd that is worked up. It's a nice little circle that will benefit, keep it up Grovsie!
Hamilton again took on the role of Action Man with a 100mph performance. The number of blocks and tackles he makes in the defensive third is impressive. He also used his pace and strength to start attacks as well. As said before though, he needs a more attacking partner. Daws is a very neat player but the pairing is too defensive.
Heffernan and Brough both brought easy saves from Davison before the second goal on 63 minutes.
Nicky Fenton's attempt at a quick freekick backfired as Campbell intercepted. Quick thinking found Boulding in space. With time on his side Boulding calmly waited for the 'keeper to commit and stroked the ball around him for his 9th goal of the season.
By now the Magpies knew the game was over, Caskey was still given space which he did use fairly well. Although neither of his three or four long rangers caused an awful lot of pressure for Davison. Heffernan's low drive did though, a full length stretch was required to push away for a corner.
Boulding, clearly lifted by his brace twisted and turned on the 18 yard line before his powerful drive was tipped away in fine style by Milldenhall. Campbell then wasted an easy chance when one-on-one and no defenders even close.
Again a solid win, the sitting deep after scoring tactic is a worrying one though. A team with quality up front will punish it, County didn't have that.
MOM - Aidan Davison. Again the 'keeper gets the award because he kept Town in the game. The scoreline could easily have read 2-4 if it were not for Davison, who was composed throughout and started numerous counter attacks with neat distribution.
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