Jonathan Forte was the star of the show for Notts County this afternoon as the Magpies cruised to a 4-0 win at Barnet after netting a first-half hat-trick on his debut.

The Magpies were 4-0 up at the interval in an amazing game at Underhill. Richard Butcher set Notts on their way after seven minutes with a crisp left-foot volley, and then the new boy took centre stage with a hat-trick in his first 45 minutes in Notts colours.

He slotted home after some poor defending by Barnet on 14 minutes, and he doubled his tally after the half-hour with a fine volley - and netted his third in first-half injury time by showing great composure by rounding Harrison and slotting into an empty net.

Notts didn't add to their tally in the second half, but were well in control and eased to their second away win of the season.

FULL REPORT

Ian McParland handed a debut to new loan signing Jonathan Forte at Underhill, as he came into the starting XI in place of Sean Canham in the only change from last Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup win at Sutton.

Jamie Forrester was also back in the squad after recovering from his back problem that prevented him from making the trip to Sutton last weekend - and took his place on the bench.

The Magpies donned their change strip for the first time since claiming all three points at Port Vale on 4 October, and the Magpies began by kicking up the slope in the first 45 minutes at Underhill.

The Bees won two early corners but didn't trouble the Magpies backline, and with their first opportunity on seven minutes Notts took the lead.

Once again it was Notts' goalscoring machine from midfield who bagged the crucial goal, with Richard Butcher crashing in his seventh goal of the season.

A long ball forwards was well won by debutant Forte and he helped the ball into Butcher's path eighteen yards out, and he crashed a left-foot volley beyond Harrison and into the far corner.

He scored at the very same end against Barnet last season, and repeated that feat with a fine finish to hand Notts the perfect start.

And seven minutes later that start was even better as Notts doubled their advantage through new signing Forte.

Some fine play in keeping hold of the ball Hamshaw delivered a ball into the box that Barnet failed to deal with, and a loose ball fell perfectly to Forte who crowned his Notts debut with a low drive into the back of Harrison's net with his left foot.

The home side created their first effort on goal after twenty-three minutes as tried to pull a goal back, but Neil Bishop drove over the bar from twenty yards out.

He was denied by a fine block from Mike Edwards a few minutes later with the Bees upping the pressure, but the Notts backline was standing very firm with nothing getting past Edwards and Thompson.

On the counter though Notts should have been 3-0 up by the half-hour, but after Hamshaw picked out an unmarked Weston at the far post Harrison made a fine save when the winger should have scored.

It probably would have been game over at that stage, and Notts' bench thought as much as the management stood with their head in their hands - but at the same time applauded the excellent counter-attacking abilities of their side.

That third goal wasn't long in coming though. Just after the half-hour a ball in behind a static Bees defence found Forte, and he lashed home from twelve yards out with Harrison left with no chance.

The attacking play was a joy to watch, with Notts tearing through the Barnet defence every time they attacked.

Straight away Birchall had a chance to pull a goal back for Barnet, but Birchall couldn't direct his header on target from Adomah's cross.

Facey headed wide another excellent Hamshaw cross, while Barnet didn't let their heads drop and a neat turn and shot by Birchall forced Hoult into a save.

And in first-half injury-time Forte completed an amazing first-half hat-trick on his Notts debut. Another ball in behind the backline allowed the striker to again totally out-pace the defence and he kept his composure to round Harrison and slot the ball into the net.

It was an amazing first-half from Notts, who took their chances at key moments. And for Forte, it was a dream debut - and he became the first Notts player since Brett Angell back in 1999 to net three on his debut.

Notts kicked off the second period hungry for more goals, but they couldn't add to their four in the early stages of the second half.

Going forwards, Notts were always looking dangerous and Hamshaw in particular was seeing plenty of the ball.

Despite leading 4-0 the Notts bench were still on their feet, urging every Notts player to win every challenge and be positive with every pass.

Adomah curled an effort wide after Neal lost the ball in midfield, with Hoult rarely tested during the game.

When he was called into action, he did everything asked of him. Adomah was Barnet's biggest threat, and he was denied by Hoult from outside the box after a neat turn and shot.

The impressive Hamshaw was given a breather for the final fifteen minutes as Adam Nowland came off the bench in his place as Notts made their first change, and Facey was also withdrawn with five minutes to go allowing Sean Canham a run out.

It finished 4-0 in the end, with the real work done in the first half with the Bees out of sight.

While the attacking will catch everyone's eyes, the defending was equally as impressive by Notts - with nothing getting through Edwards or Thompson at the heart of the defence. Clapham and Mayo at full-back were just as impressive and deserve plenty of praise.

Full Time: Barnet 0-4 Notts County

Barnet: Harrison, Gillet, Bishop, Yakubu (C), Adomah, Porter (Deverdics 46), Birchall (Medley 74), Townsend, Nicalou (Burge 60), Ogogo, O'Flynn
Subs Not Used: Beckwith, Leary
Booked: Townsend
Sent Off: None
Goals: None

Notts County: Hoult, Clapham, Edwards (C), Thompson, Mayo, Hamshaw (Nowland 73), Butcher, Neal, Weston, Forte, Facey (Canham 84)
Subs Not Used: Pilkington, Beardsley, Forrester
Booked Weston, Thompson
Sent Off: None
Goals: Butcher (7), Forte (14, 32, 45)

Match Referee: Mr R East

Attendance: 1,934 (338 Notts County Fans)

nottscountyfc.co.uk Man of the Match: Jonathan Forte