Notts performance 'can't be a one-off' - Maynard

Stuart Maynard was appointed Notts County head coach in January

Notts County's performance in their convincing 4-1 win over Grimsby Town to secure a first victory in League Two this season "can't be a one-off", head coach Stuart Maynard has said.

After drawing their opening two league games, Notts seized early control at Meadow Lane against the Mariners through Alassana Jata's sixth-minute goal and were 3-0 up in first-half stoppage time.

Grimsby's goal seconds before the break did not disrupt the home side's momentum in the second half as they added a fourth through Dan Crowley's second of the game and closed the match out comfortably to stay unbeaten and move up to fourth before the weekend's action.

"We knew we had a gameplan and, all credit to the lads, the execution of it was incredible," Maynard told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"We were super-brave, when we got through their first line of the press we drove through them and we knew we couldn't turn back into them because they'd go man for man," he said.

"But we wanted to give the fans a real performance and the lads delivered that."

Maynard, who is in his first full season in charge, said his side's display was the best since he was appointed at the start of the year - adding that two-goal captain Crowley's performance was "flawless".

"When we came in we said we can't be predictable - we've got to have a plan for each game - a lot of the time it's to control the game with the ball," Maynard said.

"You have to set the team up to control it as best as we can to make sure the outcome comes our way."

Notts' early season has not lacked drama or excitement.

After a goalless opener at Tranmere, they scored an 89th-minute equaliser against Shrewsbury in the Carabao Cup, only to go out on penalties.

Last Saturday, Notts fought back from 2-0 down at home to Fleetwood to grab a point thanks to a 95th-minute spot-kick.

Now, having picked up their first win, Maynard said this has to be the start of a more measured run of form.

"We need to be consistent with it," he added.

"We just can't turn up and do it in one game here and there.

"It's a marathon in this league and we've got to make sure we're up for the fight.

"This is what it takes. It can't be a one-off. It's going to take everyone in the squad - one to 20 - all in it together. Different games will need different personnel.

"We're not always going to be flawless. We're going to have bumps in the road but we just need to make sure we stick together.

"The fans have been incredible and the players can't wait for the next game."

Notts are next in action at Swindon on 31 August.