Notts County secured a return to League One after an 11-year absence by defeating Salford City 3-0 in the League Two play-off final at Wembley. Goals from Alassana Jatta, Lucas Ness, and Jodi Jones ensured a comfortable victory for the Magpies, leaving Salford co-owner David Beckham disappointed.
Match Overview
Former England captain Beckham watched from the stands as Notts County dominated the match. First-half goals from Jatta and Ness, followed by a second-half clincher from Jones, gave County a well-deserved win. Salford, who only left non-league football seven years ago, must remain in the fourth tier for at least another season.
First Half Dominance
Both teams started cautiously in temperatures approaching 37 degrees Celsius. Notts County controlled possession and created the first chance when Jones crossed from the left, but Jatta's header was too high. Salford's first effort came from Matt Butcher, but it was deflected over.
County took the lead in the 32nd minute. Goalkeeper James Belshaw caught the ball, and County played out from the back. Jones delivered a through-ball from inside his own half that split two defenders, allowing Jatta to side-foot past goalkeeper Matt Young from the left of the six-yard box. It was Jatta's 17th goal of the season, celebrated by over 20,000 Magpies fans.
Just before half-time, Salford's Haji Mnoga was booked for a reckless challenge on Jones. From the resulting free-kick, captain Rod McDonald found space beyond the back post and cushioned the ball into the danger zone, where Ness headed home to double the lead.
Second Half Resistance
Salford almost responded within 30 seconds of the restart, but Belshaw made a brave block at the feet of Kallum Cesay. The striker, who scored the extra-time winner in the semi-final against Grimsby, was undone by a poor touch.
Ryan Graydon saw a shot saved by Belshaw after Salford's penalty claims were ignored when Ben Woodburn's cross hit Jacob Bedeau's elbow. Referee Tom Reeves waved away the appeals.
County sealed the victory in the 70th minute. Conor Grant burst through on the right, and after Mnoga and Jatta tussled in the box, the substitute cut the ball back for Jones, who sprinted ahead of Graydon to slot home.
Reaction and Implications
Notts County, formed in 1862 and a founding member of the Football League, will return to League One after an 11-year absence. For Salford, co-owned by Gary Neville and former England and Manchester United teammate Nicky Butt, it was a day to forget. The Ammies will remain in League Two for at least another season.
