Notts County turned on the style to ruin former manager Neal Ardley’s return on a record-breaking, emotional and sometimes fractious afternoon at Meadow Lane.
Solihull Moors pounced on defensive mishaps to ruthlessly put to the sword previously unbeaten Boreham Wood and bag a third National League win on the bounce.
Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County and Newcastle United are among the other clubs said to be casting an eye over the 6’9” forward ahead of the Tuesday’s transfer deadline and Jimmy Shan believes the 21-year-old has everything it takes to make the step up.
A QUICK-FIRE second-half double by Notts County’s Portuguese striker Ruben Rodrigues early in the second-half set the scene for the Magpies to romp to a comprehensive victory over a dispirited Barnet.
All the goals came in an entertaining opening half that started with Moors’ Jordan Cranston almost looping a ball into the Alfreton net after just eight minutes only for keeper George Willis to tip it over.
The 26-year-old fans’ favourite had chalked up nearly 150 appearances in his three years at the club and he was shown the door after being voted player of the year by fans.
The 48-year-old former AFC Wimbledon and Notts County boss was confirmed as manager of the ambitious West Midlands side this week with Moors coach James Quinn named as his assistant.
The former Notts County and AFC Wimbledon boss will be assisted by former Northern Ireland striker Jimmy Quinn and the experienced Greg Abbott has also joined the club on a consultancy basis.
Goals from Tyrone Williams, Alex Addai, James Ball and Justin Donawa gave them an unassailable lead before Jacob Mendy netted a late consolatory penalty for the home side.
An early Adam Rooney goal was cancelled out by Nathan Collier and it needed Kyle Hudlin to come off the substitute’s bench and bag the winner with seven minutes remaining.
The 24-year-old former triple jumper last represented his country in November 2019 with Covid’s international travel restrictions hampering recent opportunities. But with World Cup qualifiers against Suriname and the Cayman Islands looking next month, Donawa is hoping for a recall.
Luke Young scored two first-half penalties but Moors hit back through a spot-kick of their own through Adam Rooney to make for a very nervy final ten minutes.