Hughes strike ends Rovers' dreams

Published Jan. 19, 2010 3:10 p.m. ET

foxsports

An exquisite 35-yard finish from League Two's leading marksman proved the difference between the two sides to give the Magpies a plum tie against Premier League side Wigan on Saturday. County lumbered through first-half proceedings before springing to life just after the interval. Stephen Hunt opened the scoring from close range after Rovers goalkeeper Terry Burton spilled Ben Davies' rasping effort. The Gloucestershire visitors did have County sweating though with Conal Platt's free-kick, while Tomi Ameobi also went close. But it was a route one effort that finally got the better of the Magpies' back line, Isiah Rankin lashing home a right-footed volley straight from Burton's long kick. Parity was short-lived though as Hughes restored the hosts' lead after 65 minutes with a magnificent individual effort. Although Kasper Schmeichel denied Rankin again with his legs late on, the Blue Square Premier side couldn't muster another goal.