Notts County head coach Stuart Maynard praised forward Jevani Brown following his impact in the 5-1 win over Alfreton Town in the FA Cup first round.
It appeared as if an upset may have been on the cards at Meadow Lane when the National League North side took the lead through Liam Waldock in the 14th minute. However, the visitors lead lasted just two minutes when Matty Platt equalised from long range.
The two teams went into the half time break level, but the League Two outfit grasped the game by the horns during the second half. They were ahead three minutes into the second half when Brown slid the ball across the box for Alassana Jatta to tap home. The same two combined just after the hour mark to make it 3-1 before Brown helped himself to a brace late on.
Long Awaited First Goals
Brown joined County in the summer on a season-long loan from Bristol Rovers. The 30-year-old struggled for minutes upon joining, mainly used as an impact substitute. However, having impressed during his first half introduction against Barrow last month, he was handed his first start for the club in a 1-0 win over Harrogate Town last week.
He retained his place against Alfreton and got his account up and running from the penalty spot five minutes from time. He added his second when he pounced on a loose ball in the area after goalkeeper George Willis had parried Kellan Gordon’s effort into his path.
Maynard Delighted With Brown Impact
Speaking after the game, Maynard couldn’t hide his delight in Brown’s performance, saying:
“The lads dug deep, and we have got that in us. We have gone behind and we have stayed calm but for me Jevani Brown tonight was outstanding. Two goals and two assists and we are starting to see what he is about.
“We knew what we had got, and we knew the ability he has, and he is still a way away from where we feel he can be, but he is nearly there.”
Writer’s View
Brown had taken time to settle at Notts County after enduring a torrid time at Bristol Rovers last season. He had impressed at Exeter City prior to joining the Gas, but things just didn’t click at the Memorial Stadium. Now that he has hit his first goals, Maynard will be hoping that it will be the first of many as the Magpies set their sights on promotion this season.
Head of Writing
