On Boxing Day, there was a full slate of English Football League action – including in League Two. As a result, Spurs loanee George Abbott and his Notts County side faced MK Dons on the road – in a bag clash towards the top end of the league.
Incredible day all round for young Tottenham Hotspur loanee
For this game, Abbott was again named in the starting XI by manager Stuart Maynard, where he, as tends to be the case, played next to captain Matt Palmer in a midfield two.
The first half was a much of a muchness, with just a combined six shots for both teams, and only one on target – with the sides going into the break goalless.
However, twelve minutes into the second half, Abbott received the ball inside the box, before dribbling past his marker, steadying himself for a shot – before firing into the back of the net via a deflection, for his first ever senior league goal. An incredible moment for him.
What a moment for George Abbott 😁🧡 pic.twitter.com/pUBdNlTyNl
— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) December 26, 2024
With just under twenty minutes remaining, Notts doubled their lead – before seeing the game out to ensure an impressive 2-0 win on the road. Their hosts had only lost one league game at home since the 12th of October. The young midfielder’s first ever senior goal in all comps came in a defeat, so it is great to see this one come in a win.
Aside from his goal, it was another impressive performance from Abbott, who recorded; 84 touches, 66/70 passes, 1/1 successful dribble attempts, two clearances and two interceptions. Another 90 minutes in the tank to take his league minutes up to 1309 minutes for this season.
This win keeps Notts in a play-off position, as they occupy 7th place. They are now just three points below Port Vale in second place, with a game in hand – and better goal difference.
Shows how useful a good week can be, with Notts closer to 12th place before their 3-0 win at home to Bradford City last week. Two wins, five goals, and two clean sheets later – things are looking much better.
Next up for Abbott and his counterparts is a trip to Gloucestershire to face Cheltenham Town on the 29th – their final game of 2024. Let’s hope (the first half of) 2025 can be just as fruitful for the Spurs loanee – and that Notts can continue to push for promotion to the third tier.