Robertson Strike Lifts Notts County Past Gillingham

Promotion hopefuls Notts County continued their impressive surge in League Two, clinching a narrow 1-0 home victory over Gillingham on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Meadow Park. Scott Robertson’s decisive first-half strike proved enough for Martin Paterson’s side, who shrugged off the absence of key players Alassana Jatta and Jodi Jones to secure a fifth consecutive win and climb to second in the standings—now just five points shy of league leaders Bromley.

The fixture, originally postponed in January due to a frozen pitch, finally got underway at 7:45 PM under the Meadow Park floodlights. The anticipation was palpable, with Notts County riding high after four straight wins that had propelled them to fifth in the table, a mere point off the top three before kickoff. Meanwhile, Gillingham, under Gareth Ainsworth, arrived in patchy form, having bested Newport County and Harrogate Town but stumbled against Swindon Town and Bromley earlier in the year.

Despite missing the influential Jatta and Jones, Notts County started with real intent. Early on, Tyrese Hall and Afghanistan international Maz Kouhyar both went close, with their chances expertly crafted by the lively Nick Tsaroulla. Gillingham, for their part, looked eager to spoil the party, with Seb Palmer-Houlden threatening the hosts’ defense in the opening exchanges.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute, and it was a moment of quick thinking and technical precision. After a slick combination with Ollie Norburn, Robertson seized on a moment of hesitation from Palmer-Houlden and threaded the ball past Gillingham keeper Glenn Morris at his near post. The home crowd erupted, sensing that the momentum was firmly with their side.

"Scott’s finish was top class, he showed real composure in the box," said manager Martin Paterson after the match, reflecting the team’s confidence even in the absence of two of their most influential players. The goal was the product of teamwork and sharpness in the final third—qualities that have defined Notts County’s recent run.

Not content to sit on their lead, Notts County kept pressing. Tsaroulla nearly doubled the advantage with a curling effort that had Morris scrambling, and Kouhyar followed up with another attempt shortly after. The hosts looked determined to put the game to bed before halftime, but Gillingham’s defense held firm, refusing to let the deficit grow.

After the interval, the home side’s momentum showed no signs of slowing. Robertson came close to notching his second, nearly converting a long-range free-kick just minutes into the second half. But as the match wore on, Gillingham began to grow into the contest, applying sustained pressure and forcing Notts County onto the back foot.

The visitors’ best chance came late in the game, as substitute Sam Vokes found himself in a promising position. However, Notts County’s goalkeeper James Belshaw was equal to the task, producing a series of vital saves to preserve his side’s slender advantage. One particularly sharp stop to deny Vokes stood out, prompting praise from teammates and fans alike.

"James was outstanding tonight. He kept us in it when Gillingham were pushing hard," said Paterson, highlighting the importance of his keeper’s contributions during a tense closing period. Belshaw’s heroics ensured that County’s five-match winning streak remained intact—a feat that has them dreaming of promotion as the season enters its crucial stages.

For Gillingham, the result was another frustrating setback in a season of mixed fortunes. Having shown promise in spells—especially during the opening minutes and late on—they ultimately couldn’t find a way past a resolute County defense. Ainsworth’s men will look to regroup, drawing positives from their attacking intent but knowing that sharper finishing will be required in upcoming fixtures.

The match was broadcast live on Sky Sports+, offering fans across the country a chance to witness the high-stakes action. Those unable to tune in via television had the option of streaming through the Sky Go app or NOW platform, though there was no national radio coverage for the encounter. Local BBC radio stations, however, provided updates for those following along in the Nottingham area.

As the dust settles, Notts County’s promotion charge looks increasingly credible. Five wins on the bounce have not only boosted confidence in the dressing room but also sent a message to their League Two rivals. With Bromley just five points ahead, the Magpies are firmly in the hunt for a return to League One—a prospect that seemed a distant dream just a few short weeks ago.

Key players have stepped up in the absence of Jatta and Jones, with the likes of Tsaroulla, Kouhyar, and, of course, Robertson delivering when it matters most. The team’s resilience and adaptability have been hallmarks of their recent success, and the unity on display at Meadow Park was clear for all to see.

Looking ahead, Notts County will aim to maintain their momentum and keep the pressure on Bromley at the summit. With fixtures coming thick and fast, every point is precious, and the squad’s depth will be tested as the campaign enters its final stretch. Supporters will no doubt be buoyed by the team’s fighting spirit and the sense that something special could be brewing in Nottingham this season.

For Gillingham, the focus shifts to consistency. Ainsworth’s side has shown they can compete with the division’s best, but translating promise into points remains the challenge. The next few weeks will be crucial as they seek to climb the table and put themselves in contention for a playoff spot.

As Tuesday night’s drama at Meadow Park fades into memory, one thing is clear: Notts County are a team on the rise, undeterred by setbacks and propelled by belief. The League Two promotion race just got a whole lot more interesting.