Notts County defeated Salford City 3-0 in the League Two play-off final at Wembley, ending an 11-year absence from League One. First-half goals from Alassana Jatta and Lucas Ness, followed by a second-half strike from Jodi Jones, secured the win for the Magpies, leaving Salford co-owner David Beckham unhappy in the stands.
The match, played in near 37-degree heat, saw Notts County dominate possession from the outset. Jatta opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, finishing a through-ball from Jones to side-foot past goalkeeper Matt Young. Ness doubled the lead just before half-time, heading home from a free-kick that found captain Rod McDonald beyond the back post.
Salford struggled to respond, with their best chance coming early in the second half when Kallum Cesay burst through but was denied by a brave block from Notts goalkeeper James Belshaw. The Ammies also saw penalty claims ignored after a cross hit Jacob Bedeau's elbow.
Jodi Jones ensured the victory with a 70th-minute clincher, slotting home after Conor Grant's cut-back from the right. The win means Notts County, formed in 1862 and a founding member of the Football League, return to the third tier, while Salford remain in League Four for another season. Other Salford co-owner Gary Neville and former shareholder Nicky Butt also endured a disappointing day at Wembley.
