Notts County's Dominant Performance Against York City Serves as Warning Ahead of Play-Offs

Notts County manager Luke Williams has discussed how the goal his team conceded against York City last weekend could benefit his players in their upcoming play-off semi-final against Boreham Wood on Sunday afternoon.

In the final league game of their impressive National League campaign, the Magpies had to settle for a draw when Shaq Forde scored an equaliser in the 89th minute, securing The Minstermen’s place in the fifth division for next season.

Macaulay Langstaff had put the hosts ahead with his 42nd goal of an outstanding first season for Notts, breaking a record in the process.

In spite of a strong first-half showing, Williams’ side was unable to extend their lead due to an outstanding performance by York’s goalkeeper Ryan Whitley. He made several key saves, including two late attempts from Adam Chicksen and Cedwyn Scott.

Even though Notts had 19 more shots, 75% possession with 841 passes and an xG of 2.75, it was a disappointing set of match statistics in another game where they dominated.

Having conceded only 42 goals this season, second only to Luke Garrard’s team, the Notts head coach thinks that Forde’s goal is a timely warning of what can happen in a single knockout match.

"Yeah, I agree with that for sure, and I think that when you dominate a game so much and you naturally the players feel like they huffed and puffed to try and get that second goal, it didn't happen, the game is nearly finished, so we can relax.

"They're human beings but, we have to try and push them to be better, and even the top, top professional will be there for every moment, so that was a good opportunity for me to say to the players that in a game where the numbers were so lopsided in terms of the chances we created to the opportunities we gave up.

"But football is beautiful because it is - otherwise you might as well leave after the first goal if football is as simple as that.

"It's brilliant, but we are still always trying to do better."

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