Jon Stead was Notts County’s hero as his second-half penalty earned the Magpies their first league win since October as they claimed a 3-2 victory over Tranmere at Meadow Lane.

Neal Ardley's side had taken the lead when the imperious Stead rammed the ball home at the back post having been superbly picked out by Dan Jones.

But the visitors were quickly back on level terms when Jonathan Smith charged down the right-hand side before drifting into the box to bend a low shot beyond Ross Fitzsimons.

Veteran striker Stead then led the charge as Notts regained the lead before half-time when he was afforded time and space on the right to swing a terrific cross into the six-yard box for Kane Hemmings to score.

The home side continued to search for a killer third goal, but it was Connor Jennings who hauled the visitors level with a header from close range.

But Stead had the final say when he fired in from the penalty spot to complete his brace after Nathan Thomas had teased Mark Ellis into a clumsy challenge.

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