PON_News

WEMBLEY MEMORIES | HARROGATE 2020

PRESS CONFERENCE | WEMBLEY PREVIEW | KYLE CAMERON

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.

PRESS CONFERENCE | WEMBLEY PREVIEW | LUKE WILLIAMS

Wrexham’s co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will be travelling to Wembley to support their National League rivals Notts County in the play-off final, according to the club’s captain. Last month, the two teams played a crucial match where Wrexham, funded by Hollywood, won 3-2. Former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster saved a penalty in injury time. Wrexham has since secured promotion and won the league title. While Wrexham players have been celebrating their victory in Las Vegas, County is preparing to face Chesterfield in the final. They hope to return to the football league after being relegated in the 2018/2019 season. Reynolds and McElhenney have praised Notts County, who finished the season with what would have been a record 107 points. Wrexham was four points ahead with 111. Wrexham’s captain Ben Tozer revealed on TalkSport that the co-owners will fly back to the UK from the United States to support Notts County. He said: "I know a few of lads who play for both teams, actually. I might be going to the game on Saturday. Fortunately or unfortunately we missed having to play those games (National League semi-finals) they sounded pretty epic. "Rob who was out there with us, he took the time to stay up to watch the games. In fact, I believe him and Ryan are flying over to watch the game on Saturday. That’s something they want to honour. We are genuinely all rooting for Notts County because of the way they pushed us this season, and we think they’re the ones who deserve it." Reynolds and McElhenney have expressed their support for Notts County quite openly. After winning promotion, Reynolds stated: "We are rooting for Notts County. We want to see them go up to League Two and face them next year. They're incredible. "I have such enormous respect for everything they've built and everything that they've done, and it's just insane for me that only one goes up automatically. "It's something Rob and I feel quite strongly about." Don't miss out on this opportunity to relive the excitement of Notts County's playoff win. Head over to the Pride of Nottingham Facebook page or website to see the Faces of PON gallery today! And don't forget to share it with your friends and get involved with the Pride of Nottingham community across social media and via our website.

Aden Baldwin couldn’t have chosen a better time to score his first goals for Notts County. His brace ensured their play-off match against Boreham Wood went into extra-time, before the Magpies won in a dramatic fashion. Notts County secured their spot in the Wembley final this Saturday (3.30pm kick-off) after coming back from a two-goal deficit to beat Luke Garrard’s team on a memorable afternoon at Meadow Lane. Despite being behind due to goals from Femi Ilesanmi and Lee Ndlovu, Notts only needed two minutes after the break to get back into the game when Baldwin struck the ball into the bottom corner from distance. But when it seemed all was lost, substitute Jodi Jones delivered a dangerous ball from the right that central defender Baldwin headed home to double his tally for both the afternoon and the season. When questioned about his opinion on the match, Aden Baldwin stated: "I don't even know how to explain it, "It is one of the best feelings I have ever felt - for Jodi to cut in and hit it as hard as he did, I just needed to connect with it, which I did, and I had that realisation that we could only go on to win the game from there. It sent shivers down my spine. It was just a surreal feeling." Luke Williams’ side emerged victorious and booked their place in this Saturday’s final against Chesterfield. Jones’ effort found the back of the net with assistance from a touch by Joe McDonnell’s fingertip, sparking wild celebrations at Meadow Lane with supporters flooding onto the pitch. "It just shows the togetherness between us, the staff and everyone involved with the club, along with the fans. It was a great feeling and we're off to Wembley now." Check out all of our recent articles on the Pride of Nottingham for the latest news and updates! There are plenty of forum-based discussions for Notts fans to participate in and share their own opinions - have a look here.

HIGHLIGHTS | NOTTS COUNTY 3-2 BOREHAM WOOD [AET]

The Faces of PON is a fan gallery taken at Notts County games by the Pride of Nottingham Gaffer, Chris Buckley. The gallery can be found on the Pride of Nottingham Facebook page and website, inside the gallery section. The latest addition to the gallery includes match day photos taken from the Notts County playoff win over Boreham Wood. This win sees Notts County reach the Playoff Final and gives them a chance to return to the Football League. "I always enjoy taking pictures of the fans, the response from the York City game was incredible, and I have missed taking the photos which everyone has always been kind about," said Chris Buckley. "It was nice to take photos at such a game, as with all the lows in supporting Notts County this was most certainly a high for the club. The fans were incredible, from the build-up to the final whistle. Through my lens I see a lot of emotion and passion, it's always there and the Notts County community means the world to me." One highlight of the game was when the third goal went in. Chris looked around and quickly snapped a father and young fan who were in the middle of reacting to the goal. The reaction by the young fan is considered to be one of his favourite photos. Since returning to taking the fan gallery in the last home game of the season, Chris decided he would take pictures at the Semi Final against Boreham Wood. Fans will be able to relive the match, seeing how fans responded throughout the game and hopefully enjoying seeing the photographs. Looking ahead to future events, Chris said: "I will be trying to snap pictures of Wembley using my smartphone. It's not ideal but the risk of stewards taking my camera at Wembley is just too high. The quality should still be of a high standard, but I will mostly hope to capture photos of groups of fans and families if they wish to appear on the big day. As for next season, the plan is to return for every home game." Don't miss out on this opportunity to relive the excitement of Notts County's playoff win. Head over to the Pride of Nottingham Facebook page or website to see the Faces of PON gallery today! And don't forget to share it with your friends and get involved with the Pride of Nottingham community across social media and via our website.

COMMENTARY CAM | PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL WINNER

PLAY-OFFS UNCOVERED: BOREHAM WOOD (H)

GOALS | NOTTS COUNTY 3-2 BOREHAM WOOD [AET] | PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL

Jodi Jones, the match-winner for Notts County, has declared that his 120th-minute winner against Boreham Wood was one of the greatest moments of his professional career. The Magpies overcame a two-goal deficit to secure their spot in the National League play-off final in one of the most thrilling matches the fifth division has ever witnessed. Substituted in for Adam Chicksen, the 25-year-old blasted the ball past Joe McDonnell in the final moments of the game at Meadow Lane - his first goal since joining on loan from Oxford United in January. Jodi Jones elaborated on the significance of scoring the goal that propelled Notts to Wembley, he said: "I would say it was up there with one of the best moments in my career. "I have had, not to take it back to these moments, but I have had some tough times when I have been at previous teams when I have got to the play-offs, I have always had to miss it, and it has always been a sad time for me and my family, but that just tops of everything - it is an amazing feeling." However, the Magpies didn't have an easy time, as they were trailing 2-0 at half-time due to goals from Femi Ilesanmi and Lee Ndlovu. Jones described the half-time message he gave to his teammates before being brought into the game - emphasising his eagerness to come on and make a difference under such challenging conditions. "When we were 2-0 down, it was a gutting feeling, but I said to the boys myself that we could have been three-nil up in the first 15 minutes, so why can't we score three goals in the second half? "After that I was itching to get on because after that I knew I could get at their full-backs and new I could get the better of both of them and I knew what I could do when I got on the pitch. "I was excited to get on and to get an assist and a goal and I can't really ask for more than that." The final whistle was met with joyous celebrations from the home fans, who took to the Meadow Lane pitch to congratulate this exceptional team of players. "It was crazy to be fair, I didn't expect it, but the fans were quality, and they have backed us all the way, and they did not stop singing. "These are the things might not understand how much the fans have pushed us, so without the fans we would have never been able to win the game today, and we would never have been to be where we are in the season." Join in with your thoughts on the incredible comeback by Notts County against Boreham Wood in the National League play-off semi-final on the Pride of Nottingham match discussion forum. Join in with the content on the Pride of Nottingham website and share your thoughts and opinions with fellow Notts County fans!

Notts County made an incredible comeback from two goals down to win 3-2 against Boreham Wood in the National League play-off. In the 38th minute, George Broadbent stunned the crowd with a goal, giving the visitors an unexpected lead. Just before half-time, Lee Ndlovu capitalised on some careless play by the home team and scored another goal, extending their advantage to a comfortable margin. Notts County scored a goal immediately after half-time when Aden Baldwin found himself in an open space 25 yards away from the goal. He let fly and fired past Joe McDonnell to make it 2-1. The Magpies had a chance to equalise from the spot after Ruben Rodrigues was brought down inside the area. He stepped up but saw his penalty kick palmed away by McDonnell as Boreham Wood hung onto their lead. After a persistent effort, the team's hard work finally paid off in the last few minutes of stoppage time. Jones delivered an impressive cross that Baldwin artfully buried in the back of the net, sealing his second goal of the game and propelling the match into a thrilling extra-time. With penalties looming, Jones took a chance and sent a rocket from long-range towards the goal. Although McDonnell had possession of it, he was unable to prevent County from winning, resulting in a triumphant comeback that secured their place at Wembley. Notts County will now play in the promotion final at Wembley. This was an incredible comeback for Notts County and a testament to their determination and resilience. The fans were ecstatic and the atmosphere at the stadium was electric. This win brings Notts County one step closer to returning to the English Football League after a four-year absence. Join in with your thoughts on the incredible comeback by Notts County against Boreham Wood in the National League play-off semi-final on the Pride of Nottingham match discussion forum. Join in with the content on the Pride of Nottingham website and share your thoughts and opinions with fellow Notts County fans!

POST-MATCH | NOTTS COUNTY 3-2 BOREHAM WOOD [AET] | JODI JONES

POST-MATCH | NOTTS COUNTY 3-2 BOREHAM WOOD [AET] | ADEN BALDWIN

POST-MATCH | NOTTS COUNTY 3-2 BOREHAM WOOD [AET] | LUKE WILLIAMS

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." Don’t forget to check out the Pride of Nottingham online merch site for all your Notts County gear! Dive into the best forum content with the Pride of Nottingham’s ‘Topicfeed’ - the ultimate way to stay up-to-date with Notts County discussions!

Notts County came close to securing automatic promotion to Wrexham, even though they amassed over 100 points. According to Manager Luke Williams, Notts County’s exceptional season does not necessarily make them the top pick for promotion in the National League play-offs. Notts will compete against Boreham Wood in the semi-final on Sunday, with the winner advancing to the Wembley final six days later. Notts ended the season 35 points ahead of Boreham Wood in the standings and set a new record of 107 points for a team that finished second in the league. Luke Williams spoke to BBC Radio Nottingham, he said: "I don't know who makes us favourites? "It's a different competition, so I'm not sure how we are equated as favourites - that one is strange. "If you just say the teams that are higher in the league are more favoured to win then I suppose that is a simple way to make that assessment." In any previous season, Notts’ points tally would have secured their automatic promotion back to the English Football League. However, Wrexham’s division-record 111 points earned them the title and promotion. The difference between Notts in second place and Boreham Wood in sixth was greater than the gap between Sunday’s rivals and the relegation zone. Despite this, Williams asserts that the events of the previous 46 games - including the club-record 32 league wins and 117 league goals - will have little impact now that the competition has become a knockout format. "The mentality around this tournament now and the one that just finished are very different," Williams added. "We have to be ready to win the game in front of us and not look at what we have done in the past." Be sure to check out the Pride of Nottingham Facebook group! It’s a great place for fans to share posts, thoughts and be part of the wider community. Come join us and show your support! Visit the Pride of Nottingham Dashboard! It’s the all-in-one location to see what’s happening on our site. Get involved today and join the community!

Macaulay Langstaff has had a record-breaking season with Notts County and there’s no telling where his career will go from here. He’s hoping to cap off his first season with the Magpies by achieving promotion. Despite initial doubts about his ability to adapt to a new league and environment, Langstaff has proven himself by scoring 42 goals in 45 games. He’s set new records for the most goals in a league season for Notts and in the National League and is the first player to win three Player of the Month awards in a single campaign. Langstaff’s achievements have been recognised by his peers and fans alike. He’s won both the Players’ and Fans’ Player of the Season awards, presented by Magpies' legend Les Bradd. Langstaff even shared a brief conversation and warm embrace with Bradd before taking to the Meadow Lane pitch and scoring another record-breaking goal. In an interview with the Nottingham Post, Macaulay Langstaff spoke about the relationship he has with Bradd and how Bradd has played a pivotal role in helping him uncover and further develop his goal-scoring touch. He said: "It's been unbelievable. He always has a laugh and a joke with me every time I see him and about the goals he scored, and he always says don't try and beat my record for one season! "He's been so good for me, he has given me tips ever since I first came to the club - he met me on one of my first days here, and he was telling me about the club and the history of it and things like that. "I see him more or less every single game when we come in on a Saturday or a midweek game, he is always stood there shaking the lads' hands. "When you see a figure like that when you walk into the club, it gives you that motivation to go on the pitch because he always has nice, calm words and for him to deliver me those awards on the pitch, it was an unbelievable feeling for me." Langstaff arrived at Notts County from Gateshead along with teammate Cedwyn Scott after the pair scored a combined total of 54 goals in all competitions for Mike Williamson’s side. Langstaff quickly made his mark by scoring two goals in a 3-0 win over Maidenhead on opening day at Meadow Lane. Notts County is now just two games away from returning to the Football League after a four-year absence and the possibility of back-to-back promotions has become a reality. Langstaff is using his title-winning experience to help his team’s push for promotion and has noted how the dressing room at Meadow Lane differs from the one he experienced last season. "I have noticed a few differences, but more similarities. "Obviously last year was a very successful one for myself and Cedwyn also came with me from Gateshead after winning promotion, so we tried to add that little experience in the dressing room, but we have got that experience all over the pitch - we have winners in there. "I think I have tried to add that coming from Gateshead as well - there are a few differences, obviously this team is full of leaders, full of winners, and some lads that have played at the top level and Gateshead wasn't necessarily like that. "But in terms of similarities, there are many." Langstaff is close to playing on the Wembley turf and could return two more times after the National League season ends. The 26-year-old, born in Stockton-on-Tees, is a lifelong Middlesborough fan. Michael Carrick’s team has secured a place in the Championship playoffs after an impressive turnaround at the Riverside Stadium since Carrick took over as manager. Langstaff’s grin grew wider as he spoke about his childhood club, and said: "Yeah definitely, "They have got into the play-offs, and they could potentially be at Wembley two weeks after we potentially get there, and I have always said I would love to add another trip to Wembley, so hopefully they both lead to victories because that would be unbelievable and probably my dream season." Please visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and share your thoughts on the fantastic topics we have featured by leaving a comment. Make sure to follow the Pride of Nottingham on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to stay up-to-date with all the latest news and discussions!

PRESS CONFERENCE | BOREHAM WOOD (H) | MACAULAY LANGSTAFF

MESSAGE | LUKE WILLIAMS