There's something fitting about the fact that Steve Cotterill was on the touchline tonight as Notts County produced a performance which will give hope to many Magpies fans that they might have what it takes to win promotion to League One this season.

The last time Notts went up to the third tier was 15 years ago, when Cotterill was the County boss, and now it's his former player at Bristol City, Martin Paterson, who has the Magpies dreaming of brighter days ahead.

Funny old game, eh?

Cotterill may have suffered a first defeat since returning to Whaddon Road tonight but his side gave enough of an account of themselves to suggest they'll have more than enough to ensure safety, and potentially more, in League Two next spring.

Thanks for your company this evening, we'll be back with a Super Saturday of League One and Two football. See you then.

Image source, Getty Images

Cheltenham manager Steve Cotterill told Sky Sports: "I think there were a few things we could have got tonight from the referee.

"A little bit disappointed with his performance tonight. Niggly things, there were moments where I thought we could have had the free-kick and he didn't give it.

"It's not sour grapes. They were better than us in the first half, we were better than them in the second half.

"Our problems tonight were in some of our one-v-one duels. They were a bit more alert to it, but that's probably because we didn't pass the ball as well as we can.

"In the second half, when we were sharper and passed the ball like we know we can, the skirmishes aren't there anymore.

"We've come a long way in a short space of time and we've got loads to build on."

Thankfully we have a bumper programme of action to look forward to during the international break.

The Magpies will seek to keep flying at home against lowly Harrogate, while the Robins head north for a huge clash at Tranmere, with Rovers two points above them.

Accrington v Bristol Rovers

Bromley v Barrow

Cambridge United v Barnet

Fleetwood v Swindon

Grimsby v Chesterfield

MK Dons v Salford

Notts County v Harrogate

Oldham v Crewe

Shrewsbury v Newport

Tranmere v Cheltenham

Walsall v Colchester

Gillingham v Crawley (17:30 GMT)

Notts County boss Martin Paterson might not be getting ahead of himself at this still relatively early stage of the season.

But that's five games unbeaten in the league now for County (W4 D1) and seven wins from their past 10 matches.

No side in League Two is in better form than the Magpies right now.

Image source, Shutterstock

Notts County boss Martin Paterson told Sky Sports: "I thought first half we were excellent, just maybe could have created more chances and scored more goals.

"I thought Steve would make changes, change shape, and they took over in the second half, they were quite dominant and were playing with almost a freedom. It was quite difficult to see the game out.

"We made a change too, I am learning a lot as a head coach and I am really proud of the group, they found a way to win.

"First half - excellent. Second half - things to work on."

Paterson was booked for protesting the Cheltenham goal and said: "I think their goal is a foul. We have to suck it up and get on with it.

"It's not the right way to behave, I am not condoning my actions, but people have to understand this is our life. I thought it was really clear."

County are up to third but Paterson said he would not be looking at the table as it was "way too early", adding: "There's no whooping it up, we need to get better - you look too far ahead and that's when you fall over your feet."

Image source, Rex Features

Notts County striker Alassana Jatta told Sky Sports: "It was tough, but I had to put it in [his goal]. I just believe and I put it in. I need to get the confidence going, I got the goal and now I have to keep going.

"We had to be resilient, we knew they were going to throw everything at us, it's why it's a good result."

Image source, Rex Features

Notts County's Tyrese Hall, who was named player of the match, speaking to Sky Sports: "We dug in well throughout the whole second half and happy to come away with the three points, it's a tough place to come, so more than happy.

[On being in the automatic promotion places] "It's deserved, the past couple of months we have put in so much work in training and it's showing, we're climbing higher and higher - we want to keep going."

[On his goal] "I just saw Nick get the ball, ran into space, took a nice touch and was able to slot it."

Image source, Opta/Rex Features

Confirmation that Notts County have moved into the automatic promotion places with victory at Whaddon Road.

The Magpies are now just two points behind leaders Walsall.

Cheltenham remain 22nd and one point above the relegation zone.

Mark Stallard
Former Notts County striker on BBC Radio Nottingham

More nervy than we anticipated because the first half was so dominant.

Credit to Cheltenham, they changed their shape at half-time and came out as a more stiff task.

Notts held them at arm's length, Cheltenham didn't really create a chance worthy of the name. They asked questions, Notts had answers.

Most important is a full deserved three points and they're in the automatic promotion places after a third of the season - it's a statement victory.

Image source, Getty Images

Notts County hold on for all three points.

A vital win for the Magpies who looked to be cruising into the automatic promotion places at the halfway stage but were made to work very hard for it in the second half by Cheltenham.

Steve Cotterill's unbeaten run since returning to the Robins comes to an end.

Into the final minute and County have the ball inside the Cheltenham half. The Magpies are almost there.

Josh Martin is on for the final few seconds for the hosts in place of Ethon Archer.

Huge cheers from the away end as Notts County win a free-kick deep inside their own half and will be able to take this chance to run down the clock...

Mark Stallard
Former Notts County striker on BBC Radio Nottingham

There's been a lot of good performances in green shirts but Scott Robertson has been immense in there tonight.

Jordan Thomas skips down the line for Cheltenham and whips in a cross but it's comfortable for County keeper Kelle Roos who claims with ease.

Cheltenham will only have three minutes of added time to find an equaliser.

Steve Cotterill's unbeaten start to life upon his return to Cheltenham is a matter of minutes away from ending.

Unless the Robins can muster up something...

Is there to be any late drama?!

Tom, trust us, we'd live text every match of every team if we could. We absolutely love to showcase the best of the EFL, from every division, and tonight has been a very good advert for League Two.

Good time to plug the fact we'll be here on Saturday afternoon for all the League One and Two action which the international break has not disrupted...

Huddersfield loanee Tom Iorpenda makes way for Ollie Norburn as County look to see out the closing stages and secure a vital win that would take them into the automatic promotion places.

Here comes Hakeeb Adelakun for his Cheltenham debut. The former Salford man only signed for the Robins earlier today.

The 29-year-old bagged 13 goals in 30 League Two games last season. How Cheltenham could do with him making an instant impact here.

He's on in place of Jake Bickerstaff, who has worked hard tonight.