Martin Paterson urges Luka Smyth to ‘stay humble’ after brace for Notts County

Martin Paterson hopes Luka Smyth can build on his success but maintain a level head after spearheading Notts County’s 2-1 victory over 10-man Burton Albion.

Signed from VPS in Finland, Smyth cancelled out Finn Delap’s opener for the visitors after being introduced midway through a rain-swept contest.

And the 22-year-old Australian pounced again in the 85th having forced Curtis Tilt to concede what Burton boss Gary Bowyer later insisted was a soft penalty. To add to the Albion manager’s frustration, referee Kirsty Dowle showed his captain a red card before Smyth steered home from the spot.

The result, County’s first win since being promoted last term, was just reward for a much-improved second-half display with Smyth’s introduction proving pivotal.

County boss Paterson said: “We’re data driven. Luka has scored twice and that’s why we brought him in, of course. But there’s a lot of things you can’t quantify and those things take a little bit of time.

“Three games in and Luka’s off the mark now. That will do him the world of good but he’s got to stay humble now and continue to work on his game.

“I thought the tactical change, with him coming on, was one of the differences in the match. But, it’s all about the team. Let’s make this about the team.

“Burton were good and, at this level of football, what the opposition does can affect the way you play. At half-time, I wasn’t shouting or screaming. It was more about showing them pictures of what they could do better. Once we began to pass the ball better, I was pretty calm on the sidelines.”

Bowyer, who saw Delap nod home Jack Armer’s 22nd-minute cross to give Albion the lead before Smyth headed Nick Tsaroulla’s centre beyond Corey Addai, expressed concerns about the officials’ decision making and admitted he is considering appealing Tilt’s dismissal.

“I’ve seen the penalty in there and the way the lad’s thrown himself down, for a big strapping number nine, well… although I do have to say what a difference a big number nine makes,” Bowyer said.

“It was soft and the noise of the crowd made a difference but that’s all I’m saying.

“We were not good enough with the ball, it’s as simple as that. We didn’t show enough courage and, to be fair, that’s not like the group so I’m looking forward to the response.

“Notts County got what they deserved in the second half. The manner in which they got it, though, I’m not so sure about.”

Bowyer added: “We said at half-time that we knew what we had to do. I knew it was going to be a great test for us and it was. It’s all about bouncing back now and getting some players into the building before the deadline.”