Luka Smyth's first two goals for Notts County fired Martin Paterson's side to their opening win of the League One season, beating 10-man Burton Albion at Meadow Lane.
Signed from VPS in Finland, the substitute paid back a chunk of his undisclosed fee with a late brace after Finn Delap's opener for the visitors.
Following a poignant moment in the 10th minute, County forged the first chance of a cagey opening period when Ollie Cooper forced Corey Addai to save. Seconds earlier, all four sides of the stadium had paid tribute to Quevin Castro, who represented both clubs on loan during the 2022-23 season, following his death aged 25.
Twelve minutes later, Delap used his head to guide Jack Armer's centre into the bottom corner of the net.
County's cohesion improved after the break, and in the 78th minute Smyth ensured it did not go unrewarded by nodding home Nick Tsaroulla's cross.
Five minutes later, the Australian pounced again from the spot. Cautioned before the interval, Albion's captain Curtis Tilt received another yellow for bringing Smyth down in the box and the 22-year-old duly dispatched the resulting penalty.
Paterson: “You know when you get told off by your Dad but sometimes you get told off by your Mum. I was more of a Mum today”
Gary Bowyer post-Notts County (A)
