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Notts County snap up former Mansfield Town loanee Kane Hemmings from Oxford United

Notts County have added a fourth player to their ranks this week in the shape of Kane Hemmings, who joins from Oxford United on a three-year deal for a reported fee of around £100,000.
The Magpies have already snapped up Tom Crawford, Kristian Dennis and Andy Kellett, and now they have secured the signature of a player who enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Mansfield Town last term.
Hemmings will be familiar to Notts fans, having scored a 99th-minute penalty in a 1-1 draw at Meadow Lane in March.
“I’m over the moon,” the Burton-upon-Trent lad told the official Notts site. “This is a club that wants to go places, and I want to go there with them.
“Being a local lad and having heard the plans the manager and chairman have for the club, it’s an opportunity I couldn’t really turn down.
“As soon as the offer came in I was convinced straightaway. It’s a perfect match and I’m delighted to get it done.
“I like to get on the ball and be in and around the box, getting shots away and linking up with team-mates.
“Hopefully the fans will see an exciting player who scores a goal or two and is a big influence on the team.”
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Joe Jones

Richard Thomas: 'Kristian Dennis means a lot more goals for Notts County'

Notts County assistant manager Richard Thomas is confident that Kristian Dennis's arrival at Meadow Lane means "a lot more goals walking through the door".
The Magpies had a bid rejected for the forward on Tuesday, but followed it up with an improved offer believed to be £150,000 which was enough to seal the deal.
Dennis, who scored 21 goals for the relegated Spireites, has signed a three-year contract at Meadow Lane in the club's biggest spend since the arrival of Izale McLeod from Crawley Town in 2015.
“Kristian brings goals – and that’s what everybody’s craving,” Thomas told the Nottingham Post. “It’s the hardest thing in the game to do, but he does it very successfully.
“He’s a threat in and around the box – that’s where he’ll do most of his work. He’s a very good signing and hopefully it’s a lot more goals walking through the door.”
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Joe Jones

Notts County sign Kristian Dennis and Andy Kellett

Notts County have announced the double signing of Chesterfield striker Kristian Dennis and his former loan teammate, left-back Andy Kellett, who joins from Wigan Athletic.
Dennis, 28, scored 21 goals for the Spireites last season, an impressive return which however could not keep the Derbyshire club in League Two, and joins for an undisclosed fee.
Kellett, meanwhile, was on loan at the Proact Stadium last term but arrives at Meadow Lane after having been released by the Championship-bound Latics.
“I’m aiming for more (goals), to be honest,” Dennis, who penned a three-year deal, told the official site. “Hopefully, playing in a team that’s challenging for promotion, I’ll get 25 - if not more.
“I like to work hard, get hold of the ball and make runs in behind – and to put the ball in the net, which is what I’m paid to do. I back myself on either foot when I’ve got a shot on goal.”
Kellett said: “I spoke with the manager about a week ago and wanted to come here straightaway.
“I know how passionate he is from when I was coming through as a young lad at Bolton. He was someone I looked up to. He was a leader on the pitch and I’m sure he’ll try and get the best out of me.
“I like to think I’m quite exciting – I like to run with the ball and counter-attack.
“I grew up as a left back, played as a wing back at Plymouth and when I signed for Wigan they saw me more as an attack-minded player. I think that’s where my preferred position is.”
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Joe Jones

Notts County announce signing of Chester FC midfielder Tom Crawford

Notts County have announced the signing of teenage Chester FC midfielder Tom Crawford for an undisclosed fee.
The 19-year-old, who celebrated his birthday today, made 17 appearances for the Blues and was deemed one of the bright lights in a poor season which saw the team relegated from the National League.
Crawford, who made his England C debut against the Republic of Ireland amateur side on Sunday, was believed to be on the radar of several sides in the Championship and League One but opted for the Magpies.
“What a day. It’s a great birthday present to sign at Meadow Lane and I just can’t wait to get started," he told the official Notts site.
“I loved every minute of my time at Chester and I was disappointed we went down. But, for me personally, to get into the team and play 17 games and score a goal was a big achievement.
“The bigger the crowd, the better for me. I just can’t wait to get out there and play in front of thousands of people.
“I thrive off that sort of stuff – I love the atmosphere and want more of it. I’ll be working my socks off between now and pre-season to be fitter than ever before.”
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Joe Jones

Ross Fitzsimons, Pierce Bird sign new Notts County contracts

Notts County goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons and defender Pierce Bird have signed new deals at Meadow Lane.
The pair have put pen to paper on extensions that will run until the end of the 2019-20 season.
Fitzsimons played 20 games for the Magpies last season, getting an extended run after now-released Adam Collin suffered an injury.
However, he lost his place in the team after being sent off in a 2-1 defeat to Crawley Town for lashing out at an opposition player.
“At the time [of the Crawley incident] I completely saw red,” Fitzsimons told the official site. “I just didn’t process it in my mind.
“I’m not generally like that – everyone has moments when they act before they think, and unfortunately that was mine.
“After that, I didn’t really have a case to go into the manager’s office and ask why I wasn’t playing because Adam came back in and was outstanding for us.
“The main aim for me now is to come back and try and claim the number-one shirt – and hopefully help the team to top end of the table come the end of next season.
“I was over the moon to hear the manager and his staff wanted to keep me on for an extended period.”
Bird, meanwhile, joined Notts last summer from non-league Dunkirk and made one appearance for the Magpies in a EFL Trophy defeat to Lincoln City.
“From this time last year, a lot of things have changed,” the 19-year-old said.
“I’ve been out on loan [to Alfreton and Leek], so I picked up a good amount of gametime, and hopefully now I’ll kick on into pre-season and see where that takes me from there.
“I’m looking to be around the first team and in the matchday squads more than last year. It would be a dream come true to break into the first team and get 10-15 games under my belt.”
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Joe Jones

Alan Hardy hails "outstanding" Notts County goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons

Alan Hardy has given Notts County goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons a big vote of confidence, saying he will be "worth a large sum of money" in a few years' time.
The 23-year-old has been offered a new contract by the Magpies and, should he sign it, is likely to become Adam Collin's successor after the former number one was released by the club.
Fitzsimons did well in deputising for Collin last season but lost his place in January after lashing out at Crawley Town player Mark Connolly to earn a red card and give the opposition a penalty which was converted.
“Ross was outstanding in the games he played,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post.
“If it wasn’t for the sending off against Crawley when we played them at Meadow Lane, then he would have probably retained his place throughout the rest of the season.
“Ross is a fantastic prospect for the future, and we believe in three years’ time, he will be worth a large sum of money.
“He is a very talented young goalkeeper.”
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Joe Jones

Notts County hoping to re-sign Brighton's Ben Hall on loan

Alan Hardy has admitted that Notts County are hoping to re-sign Ben Hall on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion next season.
The former Motherwell defender played 11 games for Kevin Nolan’s side in 2017-18, after joining on a deadline day loan in January.
Brighton have high hopes for the Northern Ireland under-21 international and awarded him a new contract back in April, but he is expected to go back out on loan in 2018-19.
“It would be great if we could bring Ben Hall back to the club,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post.
“We’ve had some discussions about him as he was excellent in the games he played during his time on loan with us.
"That’s something we are looking at.”
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Joe Jones

Notts County chairman Alan Hardy pays tribute to released players and pledges to build for "another season to remember"

Alan Hardy has paid tribute to the players released by Notts County this week and pledged to build for "another season to remember".
The Magpies finished fifth in League Two last season and took on Coventry City in the playoff semi-finals.
It didn't go to plan, however, as Notts lost 5-2 on aggregate, and although Hardy was left with resentment over the unjust refereeing decisions, he will look ahead to the 2018-19 campaign.
"When you get that close to tasting success, it summons a deep-seated passion to go one better and that will be our aim next season," Hardy wrote in the Nottingham Post.
"We have a fantastic manager, we have a squad who have forged a tremendous spirit, and we have you - the supporters.
"Your incredible backing throughout the course of the campaign both home and away was outstanding.
"It is a real source of motivation, and I am determined to ensure it is rewarded with a magical season which I hope will make up for the anguish of last week.
"We have already started our battle plan for next season and this week we unveiled our retained list.
"It is always an exceptionally difficult time because you have to say goodbye to players who you have got to know, respect and admire.
"You see them on a daily basis, you see how hard they work, and you appreciate everything they have given to the cause.
"To then say goodbye is extremely difficult, and I would suspect that any manager will tell you, it’s probably one of the hardest jobs they have to do.
"I would like to place on record my thanks to those players who have departed us this week.
"They all played their part and I would have dearly loved for them all to have gone out on the high of securing promotion under the Wembley arch.
"Now, though, it is a time to look ahead to the new season knowing we have a core group already at the football club that I am sure will be determined to march us to glory.
"It is going to be another busy summer when we look to supplement the squad with quality over quantity in our bid to reach our destination.
"I am looking forward to the challenge of giving you another season to remember.
"Hopefully this time it will end in perfect fashion knowing the events of last week was just a brief pit-stop of disappointment in our continued journey towards success."
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Joe Jones

Jorge Grant: 'Notts County helped improve me as a player and as a person'

Jorge Grant says he has "improved so much as a player and as a person" following his loan spell at Notts County.
The Nottingham Forest attacker has enjoyed two bright loan spells at Meadow Lane, in the second half of the 2016-17 campaign and the entirery of last season.
With County's 2017-18 campaign now over, Grant has returned over the Trent but posted some kind comments about the club and the fans.
“Big thanks to everyone at Notts County for the last 18 months,” the 23-year-old wrote on Twitter.
“Improved so much as a player and as a person! Sad to say goodbye to everyone today.
“Thanks to everyone behind the scenes and the fans for all the love and hate. It honestly has been a pleasure.”
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Joe Jones

Matt Tootle: 'I wouldn't have wanted to go anywhere else'

Matt Tootle has stressed that he "wouldn't have wanted to go anywhere else" after he committed his future to Notts County until 2020.
The Magpies defender, who was voted the Fans' Player of the Year, was rewarded for his endeavours after the club unveiled their retained list on Tuesday.
Writing on his Twitter account, Tootle said: “Absolutely delighted to have signed a new two-year deal at Notts.
“I wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else it’s been an amazing year which ended on a sour note. Can’t wait for next year already.”
Chairman Alan Hardy added: “He is a fantastic ambassador for Notts County.
“He’s had a great season and was rightly chosen by the fans as player of the year.
“He was part of a fantastic back-four that had the third best defensive record in the league.
“Matt is tremendously committed to the cause and produced some excellent performances throughout the campaign.
“I am delighted he has signed up for the next two years.”
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Joe Jones

Shola Ameobi, Adam Collin and Jonathan Forte among players to be released by Notts County

Shola Ameobi, Rob Milsom, Adam Collin, Carl Dickinson and Jonathan Forte are among the players who will not be at Notts County next season as the club published their end-of-season retained list.
All the players met with manager Kevin Nolan on Tuesday and a total of 11 senior players have been axed ahead of the new campaign.
Meanwhile, Fans' Player of the Season Matt Tootle has penned a new deal at the club which will take him to 2020, while another six who were due to be out of contract have been offered extensions.
"I can't thank the lads enough for their committed efforts in my first full season here at Notts County" Nolan told the official website.
"These decisions are some of the hardest, if not the hardest, we make as a management team and it's never an easy time for everyone involved.
"I would like to put on record my thanks to all of the players who are moving on and wish them all the best for their future."
Chairman and owner Alan Hardy added: "On behalf of the club we would like to thank all the players for their efforts this season, and for those players leaving us we wish them the very best in their future endeavours.
"I'm very confident in the decisions we have made and that we will have the start of a squad which is capable of continuing with the progress this club has made in the past 16 months."
Here is Notts County's retained list following the conclusion of the 2017/18 League Two campaign.
Under contract
Lewis Alessandra
Shaun Brisley
Terry Hawkridge
Elliott Hewitt
Noor Husin
Liam Noble
Jon Stead
Matt Tootle
Out of contract, offered new contract
Pierce Bird
Richard Duffy
Ross Fitzsimons
Dan Jones
Michael O'Connor
Branislav Pindroch
Out of contract, released
Shola Ameobi
Adam Collin
Carl Dickinson
Mike Edwards
Jonathan Forte
Elliot Hodge
Nicky Hunt
Rob Milsom
Callum Saunders
Alan Smith
Curtis Thompson
Loans expired
Mason Bennett
Jorge Grant
Ben Hall
Matty Virtue
Apprentices offered development contracts
Harry Bugg
Remaye Campbell
Declan Dunn
Alex Howes
Sam Osborne
Apprentices released
Dominic Brown-Hill
Peter Dearle
Ryan Ebanks
Curtis Hall
Jordon Richards
Joe Searson-Smithard
Edwin Towers
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Joe Jones

Notts County launch new senior women's team

Notts County are set to launch a new senior women's team, just over a year after the previous incarnation, Notts County Ladies, was folded.
Magpies owner Alan Hardy "called time" on efforts to save the Women's Super League 1 side in April 2017 when faced by debts of around £500,000, and folded just before the season started.
The Lady Pies had been moved from Lincoln to Nottingham and got to the FA Cup Women's Final in 2015, but Hardy stressed that "the numbers simply (did) not stack up; continuing would have been little short of financial suicide."
However, a new side called Notts County Women emerged on Twitter last weekend and announced that player trials would be held with a view to the team playing competitive football in 2018-19.
"We will be basement level working our way," Hardy told BBC Sport.
"I always said that I would relaunch it at some point in the future when the foundations were right and more importantly there was a pathway in place.
"We have built from the Under-8s to the Under-14s and the next logical step was a senior team.
"We understand that we may need to start at the bottom and work through the leagues. In five years we want to be at WSL 2 level, and that is a realistic ambition."
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Joe Jones

Michael O'Connor: 'More ex-players should go into refereeing'

Michael O’Connor has called for more ex-players to go into refereeing after Notts County were knocked out of the League Two playoffs against Coventry City.
In the first leg at the Ricoh Arena, Matt Tootle was wrongly penalised for a foul on Tom Bayliss which saw Marc McNulty score a late penalty to earn Coventry a 1-1 draw.
And in the return leg at Meadow Lane, Jonathan Forte saw an equaliser wrongly chalked off for offside when the score was 2-1, while Maxime Biamou's third Sky Blues goal was offside.
“Forte was two yards onside, and there were two offsides for their third goal,” Notts captain O'Connor told the Nottingham Post.
“If the goal stands and it’s 2-2, they were gone. They were shot and I think we would have won the game.
“It’s easy looking back now saying this and that, but look at the penalty decision in the first game.
“It’s never a penalty. That’s three big decisions over two legs in a play-off semi-final.
“That’s not good enough. These are meant to be the best referees in the league.
“It’s hard being a referee, I get that. But people’s livelihoods are at stake.
“Do I think the scrutiny on the decision will make a difference next season? No.
“A lot of referees haven’t played the game before and that’s why more players at the end of their careers should officiate. They know the game better.”
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Joe Jones

Michael Doyle: 'Notts County effectively did team talk for Coventry City'

Coventry City captain Michael Doyle has claimed that Notts County's attitude prior to the League Two playoff semi-final second leg effectively did the team talk for his side.
The Sky Blues coasted to a 4-1 win on Friday night, putting them into the playoff final 5-2 on aggregate at the expense of the Magpies.
Doyle felt County gave Coventry an extra incentive because of things like the specially printed Wembley T-shirts and comments made by Alan Hardy.
“I just felt that they thought that before the game they were through,” he told Coventry Telegraph, referring to the chairman’s programme column in which he talked about planning for the final.
“I read the programme notes from their chairman before the game and I just felt – and I am not having a pop – but I thought they thought they were already there.
“We were told they had T-shirts in the dressing room for Wembley, so we weren’t going down without a fight.
"The lads were unbelievable and they deserve it. It just goes to show what happens when we get that consistency in the biggest game of the season, when there’s so much pressure and so much at stake, and we go and play like that.”
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Joe Jones

ARLukomski's Match Vlog: Notts County undone by Coventry City

Notts County's Wembley dream came to an end on Friday night as Coventry City ran out 4-1 winners in their League Two playoff semi-final second leg at Meadow Lane.
Level at 1-1 on aggregate following the first leg, the hosts admittedly put in a dire first-half performance as Maxime Biamou and Marc McNulty struck in the first half to put the Sky Blues in control.
Jorge Grant pulled one back for the Magpies before the break while Jonathan Forte had a perfectly good goal disallowed for offside.
Biamou then scored again in a move which saw two separate offsides in the build-up and Tom Bayliss added another late on to end County's dreams of promotion to League One.
Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski was at Meadow Lane to document the occasion, giving his thoughts throughout the game and in the aftermath.
Want to watch one of the finest up and coming Notts bloggers around? Here's the video!
Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here.
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ARLukomski

Alan Hardy pays tribute to Notts County fans following "amazing season of progression"

Alan Hardy has paid tribute to the Notts County fanbase in an end-of-season message following the playoff defeat to Coventry City.
A total of 17,615 people were in attendance at Meadow Lane on Friday night to watch the Magpies fight for a place in the final at Wembley.
It wasn't to be unfortunately, with the Sky Blues instead winning the chance to go up in the showpiece event on Bank Holiday Monday, with Exeter City in their way.
Nonetheless, Hardy was delighted with the Black & White Army and their support at the game and throughout the season, and has pledged to work hard behind the scenes to keep the club prospering.
"I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported us throughout the campaign," Hardy wrote on the official website.
"Unfortunately there was to be no fairytale ending and, given some of the refereeing decisions we were subjected to over the course of our play-off semi-final tie, perhaps it simply wasn’t meant to be.
"When the dust settles, we will be able to look back on an amazing season of progression on and off the field, culminating in a breathtaking occasion which attracted a record crowd this century.
"It’s difficult to put into words the level of pride I felt looking around the stadium ahead of kick-off (Friday) night. Nearly every seat was filled and there was a terrific atmosphere swirling around Meadow Lane.
"We are all united in our desire to have more nights like that and with your continued backing, I’m sure we will.
"While the players will now have some well-deserved time off with their friends and family, behind the scenes the hard work begins straightaway to ensure we continue on our upward curve.
"As always, I will keep you informed of the latest developments in our exciting journey.
"Thank you once again. Alan."
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Joe Jones

Faces of PON: Notts County fans out in force for playoff semi-final against Coventry City

Notts County's Wembley dream came to an end on Friday night as a referee-assisted Coventry City side ran out 4-1 winners in their League Two playoff semi-final second leg at Meadow Lane.
Level at 1-1 on aggregate following the first leg, the hosts admittedly put in a dire first-half performance as Maxime Biamou and Marc McNulty struck in the first half to put the Sky Blues in control.
Jorge Grant pulled one back for the Magpies before the break while Jonathan Forte had a perfectly good goal disallowed for offside.
Biamou then scored again in a move which saw two separate offsides in the build-up and Tom Bayliss added another late on to end County's dreams of promotion to League One.
Despite the result, it was great to see the Black & White Army out in force - Pride of Nottingham was present to take pictures of fans, so see if you've made it into the final Faces of PON of the season!
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Chris

Match Highlights: See Notts County denied justice against Coventry City

Notts County's Wembley dream came to an end on Friday night as a referee-assisted Coventry City side ran out 4-1 winners in their League Two playoff semi-final second leg at Meadow Lane.
Level at 1-1 on aggregate following the first leg, the hosts admittedly put in a dire first-half performance as Maxime Biamou and Marc McNulty struck in the first half to put the Sky Blues in control.
Jorge Grant pulled one back for the Magpies before the break while Jonathan Forte had a perfectly good goal disallowed for offside.
Biamou then scored again in a move which saw two separate offsides in the build-up and Tom Bayliss added another late on to end County's dreams of promotion to League One.
Though it makes for infuriating viewing, here are the highlights of the game so you can see for yourself just how badly we were screwed over during the encounter.
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Joe Jones

Joe Jones: Use all the coping mechanisms and excuses you want, the truth is Notts County have been cheated in Coventry City games

Notts County's season has finally come to an end, two weeks after the regular campaign was wrapped up.
The fact we managed to extend the season by making the playoffs is obviously a sign that we have been heading in the right direction, and on the positive side it is nice to have been anxious about things in the top half of the table instead of the bottom like we had been for the previous four seasons.
And of course, just the fact that we lost to Coventry City over two legs is no disgrace. After all, they are a big team with good players and a big fanbase, so had it just been a case of "Notts were just not as good", that isn't a big deal in itself.
Let's face it, Notts have been punching above their weight for much of the season. An incredible first half of the season eventually petered out due to players running out of steam (namely up front), inconsistency (players putting in displays better than their general quality would muster, only to revert to type the following week), the odd failed tactical tinker (4-5-1) and making a pig's ear of the winter transfer window (Mason Bennett's signing was made in good faith and the player is quality but there is always going to be that risk in recruiting injury prone players).
All that considered, being able to finish in the playoffs was a pretty fair assessment of our season, a team largely in transition and seeking consolidation after several traumatic years doing superbly well through a mere change in circumstances off the pitch (a good owner) and in the dugout (let's not forget that Kevin Nolan is a rookie in managing terms so he's only going to get better with experience, a prospect which is pretty exciting).
However, let's look at what happened over the two legs against Coventry. The first leg should have ended 1-0 to us. Their penalty late on should not have been given, pure and simple.
Had the refereeing been adequate, Coventry would have gone into the second leg a goal down and there could have been a different game altogether.
But okay, let's say we led and we still got an awful first half in which we conceded early on and again midway through, as per what happened yesterday. Jorge Grant's goal would have levelled the tie and Jonathan Forte's goal - which was onside - would have put us back in front. The momentum in both the game and the tie would have been with Notts, while Coventry would have been panicking, and who knows what could have happened. Would Maxime Biamou have scored his second? Even if he did, would Notts heads have dropped as they did, knowing they were still in the tie?
Football is a very emotional and psychological game. One goal, or sending off, will completely change the heads of both sets of players as well as those of the fans, with a ripple effect.
And likewise, having a goal chalked off, or an illegitimate goal being awarded, has a similar effect - witness England's capitulation in 2010 against Germany when Frank Lampard's goal so flagrantly crossed the line and wasn't given - subconsciously, the England players could have been thinking "we've been screwed out of a perfectly good goal - what's the point of carrying on?".
The truth is, the football fandom has become desensitised to awful refereeing decisions, so when a team gets screwed over in the big moments, it's usually self-justified as "oh well, these will even out over the course of a season" or "yeah but we weren't good enough overall".
Sorry, that's not good enough.
The bottom line of the game is to outscore your opponent, and goals are hard to come by in football (compared to, say a rugby or basketball game) so each one needs the utmost scrutiny in accordance with the laws of the game. If we're operating on whatever laws the referee conjures up at any given moment, you're not getting a proper game of football.
And sure, you can justify it to yourself with excuses as a coping mechanism, but the cold hard truth is, we've been cheated. Not necessarily deliberately, but even through incompetence, we have been cheated out of what could have been a completely different outcome had the rules of the game been adhered to as, you know, they are supposed to be.
That's fine though, whatever. We'll justify it as "the will of the footballing gods", we'll channel our anger towards the players for being bad on the day / during the season, we'll wonder what could have been, and we'll go again next season slumming it at the likes of Morecambe and Forest Green. It's entertainment at the end of the day, isn't it? Shame football is more pantomime than Hollywood movie these days.
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Joe Jones

Match Report: Officials help Coventry City reach Wembley at expense of Notts County

Notts County's 2017-18 season ended on a sour note as Coventry City put in an assured display, helped in no small part by several dubious refereeing decisions, to run out 4-1 winners at Meadow Lane.
The first leg of their League Two playoff semi-final ended 1-1 as a contentious penalty saw the Sky Blues edge level on the night and in the tie, but the hope was that home advantage in the return leg could prove beneficial for the Magpies.
However, the first half at the San Sirrel was little short of atrocious for Notts, who fell behind after just six minutes when a corner was not properly dealt with and Maxime Biamou was able to unleash an overhead kick and find the back of the net.
The hosts were truly pedestrian in the opening 45 minutes, mostly playing hoofball and proving unable to stop Coventry from playing through them, indeed going on to concede a second goal on 37 minutes when Marc McNulty combined with Liam Kelly to lash home from eight yards out.
Out of nowhere, however, Notts claimed a lifeline in the game when, shortly before half time, a long throw was flicked into the box by Richard Duffy and Jorge Grant thundered home at the back post, halving the deficit and setting up a high-stakes second half.
Shaun Brisley and McNulty were involved in some handbags just before the whistle just to make things a little tastier and, much to the home fans' delight, Notts were right out of the starting blocks in the second half.
On 65 minutes, Jon Stead forced Lee Burge into a superb save from just inside the area, and moments later they had the ball in the back of the net, but Jonathan Forte's effort was unjustly - here we are using this word again - ruled out for offside.
To make matters worse, Coventry's killer third goal, which caused County's heads to drop, actually was offside, Biamou finding time in the area to turn and fire a low shot into the bottom corner.
The Sky Blues eventually added a fourth, Tom Bayliss running into space and rifling home a long-range effort five minutes from time, to trigger an exodus in the stands, the dreams of Wembley torn asunder.
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Joe Jones

Alan Hardy: 'I hope full time in Notts County, Coventry City clash brings scenes that will go down in Meadow Lane folklore'

Alan Hardy has urged the Notts County fanbase to play their part in what he hopes to be a night "that will go down in Meadow Lane folklore".
Tonight, the second leg of County's League Two playoff semi-final against Coventry City takes place, with the tie evenly - and unfairly - poised at 1-1.
Writing in the Nottingham Post, Hardy spoke at length about the nerves and anticipation involved prior to kickoff, the camaraderie in the Notts camp, and the role which the Black & White Army must play.
"So the day has finally arrived when our hopes, dreams and aspirations can be realised on what I hope is an unforgettable night at Meadow Lane," wrote Hardy.
"Coventry stand in our way in their bid to reach the League Two play-off final at Wembley and they will provide formidable opposition in our quest to reach that famous arch.
"All we can ask from the players is they run their legs into the ground, tackle that little bit harder and run that little bit further than the opposition.
"They have been fantastic all season, defying everybody’s expectations given the original objective was consolidation.
"But here we are, on the cusp of Wembley, and we require them now to give one final push to ensure we can all enjoy a capital day out when we can paint London in a sea of black and white.
"It will be nervous, it will be tense, but I have firm belief in the manager Kevin Nolan and his players, who have developed an incredible brothers-in-arms mentality.
"They have done their family, friends, the club and themselves proud with the way they have conducted themselves over the last nine months.
"The spirit among them is absolutely first class. When one is in trouble, the other goes to help out. When you’ve got that kind of mentality, how can you go wrong?
"I am fully expecting Meadow Lane to be sold out, with tickets having been snapped up amid exceptional demand.
"The thought of the Kop swaying in unison, singing their hearts out and roaring the boys on is something that has the hairs on the back of your neck standing up.
"Once again, it is going to be a phenomenal occasion in the history of this wonderful football club.
"The fans must not underestimate their importance to our quest either because they were absolutely incredible at the Ricoh Arena.
"They made a hell of a lot of noise and, having spoken to the manager and the players, it drove them on when legs were getting weary.
"It was the loudest away following of the season with the fans bouncing and dancing, culminating in an unforgettable sight. We need that again on Friday night.
"We all have a part to play in what is going to be a rollercoaster of emotions over 90 - or maybe even 120 - minutes.
"Like me, I’m sure you just want to hear the shrill of the referee’s whistle so we can all get cracking.
"It’s torture having to wait for kick-off but I hope that come full time we are witnessing scenes that will go down in Meadow Lane folklore."
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Joe Jones

Pre-match build-up: Notts County's date of destiny with Coventry City

So here it is folks, the biggest game of Notts County's season so far and hopefully the penultimate game of our campaign is upon us.
Coventry City come to Meadow Lane for the second leg of our League Two playoff semi-final on level terms, though it shouldn't be the case.
The Sky Blues won a completely undeserved penalty late on in the first leg at the Ricoh Arena which they converted for a 1-1 scoreline.
But as much as it's totally justified, there's no point crying over spilled milk - this is a cup final for us and we best buckle up and get on with it.
In this article, Pride of Nottingham looks at some of the pre-match quotes from both camps as well as having a look at the provisional team news.
Kevin Nolan on the game
“I’m just going to enjoy it. There’s no pressure on us. We weren’t expected to be here.
“The only pressure we’ll be feeling is what we put on ourselves because, like Coventry, now we’re here we want to get to Wembley.
“We know Coventry – we’ve played them three times now this season and every game’s been tough.
“It’s going to be difficult again on Friday night but I’m looking forward to locking horns with Mark Robins once again and hopefully getting over the line.
“The lads are in good spirits and looking forward to what will hopefully be another good encounter.”
Kevin Nolan on the potential of a Meadow Lane sellout
“It’s absolutely amazing. It just shows the hard work we’ve put in has all been worth it.
“We urge the people of Nottingham to buy the last few tickets because we’re going to need them – they can influence a lot that happens on the field and drive us to victory.
“We want them with us every step of the way because when they are with us, incredible things can happen - as I’ve seen during my tenure here.”
Dan Jones on potentially playing in the final at Wembley
“Playing at Wembley would be a dream for me personally. It’s an incentive you can’t even put into words.
“You’ve got to enjoy these games - everything that surrounds them and what’s at stake.
“It’s about rising to it, doing as well as you can and making Nottingham proud.”
Dan Jones on the first leg
“Lots of things from many individuals were brilliant. Forte’s flick for the goal was amazing – it was a good bit of instinctive play.
“Bris and Duffs won a lot of great headers, both wingers and the centre mids put in a lot of work and the work-rate of Steady helped us deliver what we were working on throughout the week.
“We go into the game with a lot of confidence from the other night – especially considering the conditions we had to deal with.
“They threw a lot at us – they’re very direct – and I felt we defended brilliantly.”
Former Nottingham Forest player Garry Birtles
"I am not the first to say it, but it cannot go unsaid – Notts County fell victim to one of the worst refereeing decisions the game can ever have seen, at Coventry last week.
"What referee Gavin Ward saw to make him think he had to point to the spot mystifies me.
"Matt Tootle did not slide into the challenge, he did not take out Tom Bayliss with his trailing leg, he made clear, obvious contact with the ball, which changed direction massively, as a result.
"None of the Coventry players appealed for anything. Probably because it was a perfect, clean tackle. He won the ball and made little contact with his opponent in the process.
"It wasn’t a foul, it did not look like a foul and I will never understand how the referee has come to the conclusion that it was.
"If Notts miss out on a place in the play-off final because of that decision, it will be a travesty, in a football sense.
"But I am very much hoping that they will not. Playing the second leg at home, where they have been so strong this season, in front of a packed Meadow Lane crowd – I fancy them to get the job done."
Coventry City boss Mark Robins
“We need to send our supporters home happy.
“It will be a good game and it might even go all the way. We need to be prepared for that.
“There is plenty of enthusiasm. Ever since the game finished on Saturday we have been looking forward to tomorrow.
“We have had a mixture of rest, recovery and training this week.
“We played really well in the first leg and only made one or two mistakes, but sadly that cost us a goal.
“There is going to be a full stadium, and that is what we look forward to. The prize at the end of it is great and we have to make sure we get the process of getting to that right.
“The supporters should be excited and they should be in full voice and right behind the players. We could do with making their fans quiet.”
Opta stats
This is the fourth time in succession that Notts County have drawn the first leg of their play-off semi-final away from home, with the Magpies reaching the final on each of three previous occasions.
Coventry haven't won any of their last eight away games against Notts County in all competitions (D2 L6), since a 3-0 victory in August 1963.
The Magpies are unbeaten in their last nine home games in all competitions, winning five and drawing four.
The Sky Blues have lost just one of their last seven away games in all competitions (W4 D2), though that defeat did come at Meadow Lane in April (1-2).
Coventry haven't been promoted from any division since winning the second tier in 1966-67.
Four of Coventry's five goals against Notts County this season have been scored in the 80th minute or later.
Jonathan Forte has scored all three of Notts County's goals against Coventry in all competitions this season.
Coventry scored with their only shot on target in the first leg - Marc McNulty's 87th minute penalty.
Team news
Notts County could be unchanged, with Jonathan Forte expected to be fit.
However, Coventry's Tom Davies is suspended having been handed a retrospective three-game ban by the FA for his stamp on Richard Duffy.
Share your thoughts about the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
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Joe Jones

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