Second half demolition

Jackson won a penalty and scored a goal, while McDonald tortured the Buxton right-back and set up Worksop’s third, despite a slow start to the game.

In fact McDonald’s, and Worksop’s first half performance wasn’t up to much, as they gave up a sloppy goal and toiled in the cold November conditions.

But once Simon Clark got his men zipping the ball around, Buxton soon unravelled and a 3-1 scoreline saw three points returned to Notts.

Tigers had plenty of possession and territory in the opening couple of minutes, and an early penalty claim from Jackson that failed to impress referee Carl Dunn.

Then defending that was reminiscent of Saturday’s horror show handed Buxton a seven minute lead.

Marc Roberts dallied in possession facing his own goal, Mark Reed robbed the defender of the ball and simply strode into the box to lob the stranded Jon Worsnop.

During an opening 20 minutes in which the back four looked nervous with and without the ball, Tigers rode their luck as Reed skinned James Cotterill and just lost control as he got to the area.

Worksop countered, Mark Hudson sent Gavin Allott away and the striker cut inside before shooting low and wide, via a Buxton defender.

The hosts lost influential midfielder Michael Towey on 25 minutes, David Taylor taking his place.

Ashley Burbeary began to come into the game more,, tricking his way into the box past two before sending the ball out of play, then beating a defender and going down in the area – Mr Dunn again unmoved by the appeal.

Jackson saw a low effort beat out by keeper Scott Hartley and when McDonald crossed to the back post Allott nodded wide.

The big striker showed a lovely touch to put Jackson in on goal a minute later, Hartley raced off his line and got nothing on the ball, sending Jackson sprawling.

This time the penalty was awarded, the keeper saw yellow, Hudson stepped up and found the top right hand corner for 1-1.

Allott was guilty of a shocking miss as the game neared the interval.

Warlow crossed, Hudson couldn’t quite get a touch and the front man failed to beat Hartley from three yards out.

Tigers could have started the second half in perfect fashion, but after breaking from his own half and playing a one-two with Allott, Jackson shot well over the bar.

There were worrying scenes for all concerned when Buxton winger Martin Pembleton went down behind the play and had to be stretchered off, manager Scott Maxfield taking his place.

Worksop made a change of their own on the hour mark, Luke Shiels coming on for Roberts.

The visitors should have gone ahead when Worsnop’s quick thinking released Jackson, and although it was Burbeary he tried to set clear, the ball broke to Allot and yet again he was thwarted by Hartley.

It was the targetman’s final action, Gary King making an entrance to partner Jackson.

Nothing had been coming off for McDonald, but in the space of a minute he skinned the right-back twice and put a brilliant ball across the box that Hudson was inches from turning home.

The referee raised the ire of the visitors when he waved play on as last defender Tommy Agus appeared to take Jackson out. Simon Clark said something the officials didn’t appreciate and was sent to the stands.

But Tigers were celebrating with eight minutes left as Burbeary and King unlocked the defence, the former slid the ball across the area and Jackson was unmarked at the back post to find the net.

Three minutes from time Luke Sharry, who had replaced Young, got on the end of McDonald’s cut back to put the ball in the top corner with a lovely finish and make the points safe.

There was almost a spectacular fourth in time added on, King knocking the ball to Burbeary who controlled with his right, flicked to his left and volleyed at goal - Hartley denying him with a great save.

A trip to Buxton is never easy, especially following a demoralising defeat, but if Tigers stick to their passing game and concentrate in defence there won’t be many grounds they fear travelling to this season.