Heartfelt Reactions from Notts County Fans after Playoff Victory at Meadow Lane

Last Sunday at Meadow Lane, Notts County made a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to beat Boreham Wood 3-2 in the National League Playoff Semi Final. The winner of this match would progress to the final and have the opportunity to secure promotion to League Two. The Magpies’ victory was secured by a brace from Aden Baldwin and a goal from Jodi Jones.

The atmosphere at Meadow Lane was electric, with vocal support from both Notts County and Boreham Wood fans. The Magpies’ had even placed a material banner reading “Come On You Pies” on the seats of every fan in the KOP to add to the occasion.

Boreham Wood took the lead in the 37th minute with a goal from Femi Ilesanmi, followed by a second from Lee Ndlovu in the 45+3rd minute. However, Notts County fought back in the second half with Aden Baldwin scoring in the 47th minute and again in the 90+7th minute. In the dying moments of added time, just before the match would have gone to penalties, Jodi Jones scored the winner for Notts County in the 120th minute.

Colin Sisson, a Notts County fan who attended the match with his family, described the atmosphere at Meadow Lane before and during the match as electric. "It felt like an event," he said. "Even when we caught the tram, with fellow Notts fans sharing nods of apprehension as we got closer to the ground." The unseasonal sunshine added to the excitement, with fans wearing their shirts and making their way to Meadow Lane together. "What an atmosphere was created by the Trent Navigation too!" Colin exclaimed. "I walked part of the way with my lads just as The Wheelbarrow Song was sung, and we all just stopped and smiled."

When asked about how the fans reacted to the 2-0 deficit, Colin shared that his eldest son cried. "To be honest, I wasn't far behind him," he admitted. "He'd witnessed us lose playoff semis against Coventry and Grimsby either side of a relegation, so the emotion was completely understandable." In the Family Stand, there was no anger, just stunned silence as Notts County had dominated a fair proportion of the match.

In Colin's opinion, there were two turning points in the match for Notts County. One was tactical: Borehamwood had been successful in pressing and crowding the middle of the pitch, meaning Notts often tried to operate out wide or in the half-spaces between the centre and flank. However, their full-backs were dogged in their job and suppressed Chicksen and Nemane quite well. The introduction of Jones and his skill against tired legs meant he got the better of wide positions, reflected in a goal and assist. Cedwyn Scott also deserves praise for his directness, which caused chaos and concern in the latter stages.

The second turning point was more unexplainable. Colin shared that he muttered silent prayers towards the memorial of Jason Turner. "I'm not religious in any way," he said. "But I simply asked that all the effort of this season - including his - should not be forgotten. And what happened next won't be forgotten for a very long time."

When asked about how fans celebrated after Notts County's victory, Colin described scenes of joy at Meadow Lane. "The emotional whiplash of Jones' goal was pretty vicious and seemed to take an age to register with me," he said. "I must've checked for an offside flag about five times before the realisation sank in that we'd somehow turned this around." Colin grabbed his coat and bag and told his kids they were going on the pitch. "We'd watched Portsmouth and Luton celebrate on Meadow Lane - it was our turn," he explained.

"The look of absolute joy on my two's faces will stay with me forever," Colin shared. "They touched the grass, sang their hearts out, and punched the sky." He was also delighted to shake hands with Luke Williams and congratulate him on playing such a significant role in making it all possible.

Looking ahead to the National League Playoff Final against Chesterfield, Colin admitted it's hard to have solid expectations when it still feels like such a dream. "But we have to be realistic too - Chesterfield pose a substantial threat," he said. Dobra and Colclough have the ability to pin Notts County's wing backs which could nullify how they like to build attacks. "So the significant battles may be won and lost in the middle of the pitch," Colin explained. However, if Palmer, Bostock, and Rodrigues rise to the occasion as they know they can, Colin remains hopeful.

Ryan Raynor, another Notts County fan who has supported the club for 14 years, shared that he can't even put into words what the club means to him. "It is the one thing at the end of every week that I look forward to: getting down to the lane with my fiancé, my brothers and my sister, and cheering on the Magpies," he said.

When Notts County fell behind 2-0, Ryan admitted that he lost his head. "I was so angry because of the manner in which the goals were conceded, especially the second," he said. He didn't think they would be able to come back, knowing Borehamwood's defensive record. "But my God, it was the best feeling when that second goal went in," he exclaimed.

Ryan described the comeback and eventual victory as massive for both the club and its fans. "A chance to get back into the EFL after the season we have had," he said. "In my opinion, we deserved to go up automatically." The roar from the fans when that second goal went in was unlike anything he had ever heard before. "It means the world to all of us," he said.

Matt Wyer, another Notts County fan who used to attend every home game and around 5 or 6 away games, shared that he now attends fewer matches due to having two young children. He usually attends matches with his dad, wife, and uncle.

When Notts County fell behind 2-0, Matt admitted that he thought the tie was over. "I said to a few people I know that we could not let Boreham Wood score 1, never mind 2, as I knew they’d sit back, and they have the best defence in the league," he said. "I was gutted."

As Notts County started their comeback, Matt shared that he knew it was possible because he had seen them play some amazing football this year. "But when we scored the first goal, I thought due to the opposition it would only be a consolation," he said. "How wrong was I!" When the second goal went in, Matt cried. "We were 50 or so seconds away from bowing out," he said.

When asked about how he celebrated Notts County's victory, Matt shared that it was all a massive blur. "I know it ended with me on the Meadow Lane pitch with everybody else who also got a bit carried away," he said. "What a win!"

Looking ahead to the National League Playoff Final against Chesterfield, Matt is quietly confident. "We have already beaten them at their place under pressure, and we have come from 2 behind at home to draw 2-2," he said. “We have the ability.” The only thing that slightly worries him is that it’s a local derby in a cup competition and anything can happen. “However, who would bet against Notts after Sunday?” he asked.

Check out all the latest articles on the Pride of Nottingham, including Ryan Reynolds attending the playoff final, Aden Baldwin’s reaction to the Boreham Wood win and Jodi Jones reflecting on one of his favourite moments in his career.

Join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion ahead of the Playoff Final against Chesterfield and share your thoughts and predictions.