Notts County 3-2 Tranmere Rovers: Jon Stead scores twice to end Magpies winless run

Jon Stead was the hero as his second-half penalty earned Notts County 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 after he was superbly picked out by Dan Jones.

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

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

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

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

Match report supplied by the Press Association.