STUART Maynard praised the way Notts County stuck to their passing principles to beat the Bantams.

The visitors maintained their possession-heavy approach in last night’s 3-0 win despite the awkward Valley Parade surface.

“It was a huge credit for the lads to play the way they did with the ball on the ground on that pitch,” said head coach Maynard, whose team had taken just one point from six games beforehand.

“I feel it is just the start. It’s been coming within the group.

“The confidence has stayed very high and the performance levels have been very good. The work ethic from everyone was outstanding.

“The message at half-time was that we needed to keep playing with the same intensity and you saw the answer.

“You have to be brave when you come to somewhere like Bradford and the expectation they have. To keep moving the ball and take the sting out the game is huge.”

Macaulay Langstaff’s 25th goal of the season put Notts County in front before a second-half double from Alassana Jatta clinched only their second win since Maynard was appointed in January.

He added: “We’ve had to manage Alassana from the minute he’s come to the club, “He’s come from another country and it takes time to settle. But you’re starting to see little glimpses of what he can do.

“The two up front set the tone from minute one.

“I think everyone was outstanding. It’s hard to single out anybody.

“It was the first time we could celebrate knowing the game was done. We haven’t felt that.

“There was the best part of 1,000 fans and they were incredible all night. They drove on the team from minute one and we want to repay that support.

“That’s the level that the lads need to keep maintaining. It’s about the work ethic.

“We know we’re always going to be good in possession. But can we keep that intensity now as a group? I believe in what we’ve got here.”