Notts County have struck gold replacing David McGoldrick - but acid Gillingham test will prove true transfer success | OneFootball

Matthew Dennis has started life at Meadow Lane impeccably, but faces a big test against a strong defence this weekend

Alarm bells rang around Meadow Lane when David McGoldrick decided to depart Notts County for new pastures in League One with Barnsley.

His presence in the Magpies' lineup over the two years he was there gave the team a big boost, as he was clearly one of the better, more experienced players in the fourth tier. And 29 goals across both League Two campaigns helped, too.

Losing him was a blow, and it seemed that Notts County were going to be heading into the new campaign without a suitable replacement, either, as the only striker arrival was Matthew Dennis, who had recently been relegated with Carlisle United, and his six goals at Brunton Park resembled his highest tally in an EFL season.

So far, though, his arrival on a free transfer after his Carlisle contract expired has been an inspired one, and five goals plus an assist in six league games during his first month at his new home saw him pick up August's player of the month award in League Two.

The 23-year-old has been impressive so far, but faces a huge test this weekend, as he will be tasked with breaking down a Gillingham defence which has been formidable under Gareth Ainsworth.

Matthew Dennis has given Notts County a new lease of life

It was looking rather bleak for Notts County through the opening weeks of the season. The risk of bringing in Martin Paterson as the new manager had resulted in just one point in the opening three games, plus an exit at the first hurdle in the EFL Cup.

But a home game against a struggling Shrewsbury Town side gave them the win they desperately needed, and the momentum they've carried from that has been unmatched. And along with that momentum, their McGoldrick replacement, Matthew Dennis, has been unstoppable.

The 23-year-old has now scored in his last five games, including a brace in their 2-2 draw against Bromley. Five goals and an assist in August saw him rewarded with the league's player of the month, but he's been able to carry that form into September, too.

He netted the only goal in a 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town last time out, a goal which was assisted by Alassana Jatta, who was making his first start since his red card in the play-off semi-final vs AFC Wimbledon last season.

The former Carlisle man is in the form of his life at the moment, and with Jatta, who bagged 19 last season, now pairing alongside him, it's quickly gone from bleak to brilliance under Martin Paterson.

Notts County face huge Gillingham test this Saturday

Notts County's wave of momentum rides into Kent this weekend, as Martin Paterson's side take on current League Two table toppers, Gillingham.

As is tradition, it seems, Gillingham are going through their strong early-season start. They've won six of their first eight League Two games in each of the last two campaigns, and are currently unbeaten through seven games this term.

However, you get the feeling that, under Gareth Ainsworth, the Gills are better positioned to maintain that start across a full 46-game campaign.

Since Ainsworth took over in late March, Gillingham have yet to lose a league game. Their unbeaten run continued against Bromley last time out in dramatic fashion, with a 98th-minute Max Clark penalty, but the grit shown to battle from two down away from home against fellow quick-starters showed League Two fans that the Gills are a side to take notice of.

Those two goals against Bromley make up 40% of the league goals that Gillingham have conceded in the league this season, so Dennis and Notts County will be facing a tough defensive side this weekend.

It's been a strong start to the season for the 23-year-old, but this Saturday's battle at Priestfield will be a big test to see whether Dennis will be the big-game goalscorer that Notts need following David McGoldrick's departure.