Substitute Macaulay Langstaff settles see-saw game in Notts County’s favour

Macaulay Langstaff’s late strike ensured Notts County’s passage to the second round of the FA Cup with a thrilling 3-2 win over Crawley.

Danilo Orsi had given the visitors the lead and levelled the scores at 2-2 after Dan Crowley and David McGoldrick had the hosts in front, before substitute Langstaff came off the bench to send the Magpies through.

The visitors’ fast start was rewarded as Orsi’s first effort hit the post, only for the ball to fall back into his path to open the scoring in the third minute.

The hosts levelled 10 minutes later when Crowley finished from close range after good work from Tobi Adebayo, then Crowley turning provider early in the second half to set up McGoldrick for the goal which had County ahead.

Orsi restored parity in the contest by turning home Kellan Gordon’s inviting cross midway through the second half.

However, home boss Luke Williams introduced his top scorer from the bench and he took just seven minutes to steer home McGoldrick’s cross and earn County a place in the second round for the first time since 2019.