Lead professional development phase coach Craig Gordon says Notts' Under 18s were 'different class' in their 2-1 win at Walsall in the FA Youth Cup on Friday night.
Kion Etete scored a brace, including a stoppage-time winner, as the young side booked their place in the second round draw.
And Gordon was full of praise for his players.
“They were different class,” he said. “We thought there might be some nerves and tension but they were top drawer and I’m really proud of them.
“At half-time they took responsibility upon themselves to encourage each other and share anything they had picked up during the first period.
“Walsall didn’t really create anything and the boys take the credit for that because we knew they’d be a threat on the counter-attack and we did a good job to nullify it.
“They’ve managed themselves outstandingly well today and got the result that they deserved.”
It had looked like extra time would be needed as the minutes ticked away, but Gordon feels the last-gasp winner was testament to his side’s belief.
“Leaving it late really shows the character of the boys,” he explained. “We conceded against the run of play but the lads kept going.
“We were the better team, created more chances, had more of the ball and executed the game plan perfectly so well done to the boys for sticking in there when their heads could have dropped.
“We knew we had one more chance in us and the ability to tuck it away. It was even better to score late because it gave the lads such a buzz as well.”