Head coach Martin Paterson labelled Notts County’s gritty 2-1 victory at Fleetwood as a “mentality win”.
Alassana Jatta put Notts ahead with his 12th league goal of the season after converting a Jodi Jones cross on 38 minutes.
Will Davies drew Fleetwood level with a good turn and finish on 65 minutes.
But the promotion-chasing Magpies dug deep and found a winner when Matthew Dennis slotted home Lee Ndlovu’s cross five minutes later.
“What I am pleased about is that it was a mentality and cultural win and we dug in,” said Paterson.
“We conceded to go 1-1, but we got on with it and made aggressive subs. The subs came on and did well and that is what football is about, it’s about a group digging in and finding moments in tough environments.
“We didn’t expect the pitch to be this way, but it is EFL football and sometimes the pitches are like this. When I saw the pitch we made tactical changes.
“It was a tough game from the first whistle. Credit to Fleetwood, they made it really uncomfortable and were organised.
“They were clearly playing for their interim coach and buying into his methods. They caused us a few problems.
“But we are what we are and the most pleasing thing is that we came through some difficult environmental factors. It was windy and the pitch was hard to move the ball.
“The key message now is we have a game on Tuesday and we have to prepare and bring the right mentality, attitude and desire.”
Fleetwood’s interim head coach Matt Lawlor felt his side had deserved more from the game.
“It was a really positive performance, but just not the result we wanted or probably deserved if I am honest,” he said.
“It is disappointing, but there are lots and lots of positives to take from the game with everything that is going on right now.
“We have 11 first-team injuries and nine of the 18 today were academy graduates, that’s something to be pleased with in that aspect.
“We pushed them all the way and battled hard to get back into the game. The result is disappointing obviously but we have to be pleased with the performance.
“Having nine academy graduates in the matchday squad is something that makes me personally proud, but my job title has changed and the job is about results as well as academy graduates.
“Crispin McLean made his EFL debut which is a huge positive for him, his family and us as a club. I thought Conor Haughey was outstanding yet again. So, for me, I am proud in one aspect but disappointed in the other.”
