Chris

I was full of emotion yesterday, seeing the Notts stands full of happy people it's what makes supporting the club that extra bit special. Mind, not everyone was happy! It was particularly exhilarating to witness every time Boreham Wood scored a goal. It became quite tense, but whilst taking pictures at half-time I decided to encourage those I spoke with. I had the faith that we could pull it back and the key was the early goal. My heart really went out to Aden Baldwin. He received a lot of harsh comments about his playing, but to be fair, that pass to him was bound to cause problems. I felt Notts needed to slow down their passing at times, not by a great amount but enough so that they could take their time a little more. Issue with this, many fans just yell to get the ball forward without thinking about what space the players have and when they do rush, further complaints are shouted. I felt like we just didn't know what to do at times; it was a complication of our own fault that led to Boreham Wood putting pressure on Notts. The second half was expected to be better when we attacked towards the KOP end. I hope that Luke Williams is proud of the incredible response from the fans who stayed positive and didn't leave even after the second goal.I get that sometimes frustration means people will say silly things, but it's hardly encouraging when there's people shouting f this and all sorts of nonsense at the players. Funnily, the most near me didn't seem to know much about Notts and seemed like the type of person who came just for the big game. I appreciate their presence, but there is absolutely no reason for them to be rude as it can ruin the ambiance, particularly when seated close to families with little kids. Jodi Jones played amazingly well, I wasn't sure about why Matt Palmer got the Man of the Match. I felt there were a few better options ahead of him, but he sometimes doesn't get the praise when he does deserve it. Kyle Cameron needs to be more careful on the ball I feel, so many people expressed that they feel he's a reliable to me, but he can be a vital asset when he's in the zone. Sam Slocombe deserves a lot of praise; he made some outstanding saves and Notts could've sunk within the first half further if it wasn't for him. Aden Baldwin may have had a few wobbles, but he was by far my Man of the Match. And yes, I genuinely felt that at 2-0 the game wasn't over and thankfully in the second half we got the response I had hoped for and mentioned to those I spoke with at half-time. I couldn't stop shaking until almost midnight. I felt ill, and part of it might be because I got a concussion when two fans accidentally hit me. Yet, I do feel the occasion and raw emotions got the best out of me.

A remarkable turnabout was always within reach. I know people thought I were deluded for suggesting it or questioned my faith, but I always felt that an early goal would give us that spark. I couldn't stop shaking after the game. I also still feel slightly concussed after being hit in the head twice by accident, but it's worth every moment. Our fans were class from pre-match to the moments after the final whistle, so pleased for us all that we're going to Wembley.

My personal thoughts that the league and previous games go out of the window when it comes to the playoffs, usually the winner simply wants to win more than the other. Sometimes it's because of other factors, but generally I think it's all about coping with the game and settling nerves as quickly as possible. If our players enjoy their football, chances should come, and I think it will be a good game.

Boreham Wood will be physical, if anyone caught their game against Barnet - you will know what to expect. They're very dirty and sly at times, but when they're focusing on the actual football. You can't give them any space near to your own penalty box because they know how to punish teams. It's important Notts starts the game off with a patient approach to passing. I would instruct the players to get a feel for Boreham Wood, make them run around a bit at least for the first 20 minutes. If players like Arron Nemane, Adam Chicksen, Sam Austin, or Ruben Rodrigues can find openings to score or assist, it could calm everyone's nerves. I want to see the players fired up, but focused on winning the ball back as soon as possible. I like what Luke Willaims has said in his message during the press conference. He's right about singing and creating a special atmosphere, encouraging us to sing to chants to each of the players. It would be something that would ease our own nerves, as the party type spirit can lift and make you forget about how important the game is. We must demonstrate our belief in the team by promoting them back to the Football League this season. Keep in mind that during our League Cup match against Liverpool, many expressed negative opinions about our chances due to our position in League One. I was one of the first few fans to start signing and I noticed how that lifted the players nerves. There was a very small group of us, maybe 6-7 but by time we had scored one back. It seemed a totally different game and it was such an amazing feeling. We need this on Sunday, but the players need to be brave in defending and smart when it comes to pressing. If we can reduce any potential mistakes and just focus on playing football in a controlling narrative, it will see chances come for us.