Notts County came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Huddersfield Town in the first round of the League Cup this evening, despite playing the final 20 minutes a player short.
Both sides had chances inside the opening 10 minutes as Jon Stead headed just wide from a corner for the visitors, before Roy Carroll had to deny Harry Bunn's long-range drive down the other end moments later.
County continued to look lively in the opening 20 minutes as Stanley Aborah charged down the flank before picking out a wide open Kyle de Silva, but he rushed his finish and missed the target.
Ishmael Miller started to create problems in front of the visitors' goal as Huddersfield dominated the possession, but it was Murray Wallace who opened the scoring when he was left unmarked to head in from a Bunn corner.
However, the League Two side were back on level terms before half time as De Silva sprinted down the wing before picking out Liam Noble, who smashed the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
It was the visitors who made the brighter start to the second period, with Gill Swerts attempting to catch Joe Murphy out with a quick volley from 20 yards out, but it was an easy stop for the keeper.
Swerts was on the move again a couple of minutes later, picking out De Silva with a 50-yard diagonal delivery, but he could not control it in time to get a shot away.
County took the lead for the first time just before the hour mark when Noble found the back of the net for the second time, lobbing the keeper with an ambitious 45-yard strike, stunning the home crowd.
The home side's chances of finding an equaliser were boosted with 20 minutes remaining as Swerts picked up his second yellow card in four minutes, resulting in the visitors finishing the match with just 10 men on the pitch.
Nakhi Wells tried to add Huddersfield's second from the resulting free kick, which Jacob Butterfield delivered low into a crowded penalty area, but the striker did not get the ball away cleanly.
Despite being a man short, County continued to press in front of the home side's goal, forcing three consecutive corners as they tried to open up a two-goal cushion, but the Huddersfield defenders eventually cleared.
Carroll had to remain alert in the closing stages as Huddersfield continued to try to make the most of their man advantage, but the keeper pulled off a save to stop Wells converting from an Adam Hammill through-ball.
The hosts came close again in stoppage time as Bunn tried to set up Miller, but he could only head wide, while Hammill nodded over moments later.
Sian Cowper
