David McGoldrick scored twice as Notts County boosted their automatic promotion push with a 3-0 League Two win over Accrington.

The Magpies opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a training-ground routine. From a corner, Matt Palmer’s cross found the inrushing George Abbott, who volleyed the ball into the top corner of the net.

Stanley goalkeeper Billy Crellin pushed out McGoldrick’s 30-yard strike after 23 minutes but the away side made it 2-0 after 27 minutes.

Abbott’s ball to the far post found Alassana Jatta and his looping header was helped over the line by McGoldrick from close range.

County were the main threat with McGoldrick coming close again as Stanley were unable to seriously trouble Magpies goalkeeper Alex Bass in the first half.

Accrington boss John Doolan made three changes at the break and they were more on the attack in the second half.

However, the Magpies struck next after 63 minutes when, from a corner, Jatta headed against the crossbar and it fell for the stretching McGoldrick to force the ball over the line for his 12th of the season.