Wembley Stadium was awash with anticipation on May 25, 2026, as Notts County and Salford City squared off in the Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Final, the stakes nothing less than a coveted promotion to League One. It was a day marked by drama, determination, and a touch of history, as Notts County ended their 11-year exile from the third tier of English football with a commanding 3-0 victory over Salford City.
The morning began with a buzz, as soccer fans tuned in to the daily pregame show, which featured insightful commentary from guests Nigel Reo-Coker and Troy Deeney. They dissected the latest global football news, offered predictions, and set the stage for what would become a memorable afternoon at Wembley. The show’s blend of highlights, interviews, and expert analysis only served to heighten the sense of occasion surrounding this crucial match.
As the teams emerged onto the hallowed turf, the Sky Bet League Two Play-Offs Final trophy gleamed on display, a glittering reminder of what was at stake. Both clubs arrived at Wembley with dreams of promotion, but it was Notts County who seized the moment, displaying grit and composure in a high-pressure environment.
The opening exchanges were tense and scrappy, with both sides eager not to concede early ground. Fouls punctuated the early minutes, and the first real chance fell to Notts County’s Alassana Jatta at the 16-minute mark. Jatta fired wide, but it was a warning shot that signaled County’s intent. The first yellow card of the afternoon soon followed, with Nicholas Tsaroulla booked for bringing down Salford’s Rosaire Longelo, setting the tone for a fiercely contested battle.
It wasn’t until the 31st minute that the deadlock was broken. Notts County launched a lightning-fast counterattack, and Jatta found himself in the right place at the right time. With a calmness belying the magnitude of the moment, he slotted the ball into the bottom corner, sending the County faithful into raptures. The goal was a product of quick thinking and clinical execution—just what you’d expect in a playoff final!
Salford City, to their credit, pressed for a swift reply. Luke Garbutt whipped in a dangerous free-kick, but the ball eluded everyone in the penalty area. As the first half drew to a close, the match’s physical edge remained apparent. Haji Mnoga saw yellow for a reckless challenge on Jodi Jones, and the resulting free-kick proved decisive. Lucas Ness rose above the Salford defense and powered home a header, doubling County’s advantage on the stroke of half-time. The timing couldn’t have been better for Martin Paterson’s men, who went into the break with a two-goal cushion and momentum on their side.
Salford manager Martin Paterson wasted no time making changes at the interval, introducing Ben Woodburn for Matt Butcher in a bid to spark a comeback. The switch nearly paid dividends immediately, as Kallum Cesay broke through on goal, only to be denied by James Belshaw, County’s alert goalkeeper. Cesay’s subsequent late challenge on Tsaroulla went unpunished, much to the relief of the County bench.
As the second half wore on, Salford continued to probe. Ryan Graydon unleashed a volley that forced another smart stop from Belshaw, while Ness found himself in the referee’s book for a foul on Daniel Udoh. Paterson shuffled his pack further, sending on Dean Harris and Fabio Borini for Longelo and Brandon Cooper, hoping fresh legs would tip the balance.
Notts County responded with their own changes, Connor Grant replacing Jayden Luker. County’s defense stood firm, and when called upon, Belshaw provided a reassuring presence between the sticks. The Magpies’ resilience was soon rewarded. With just 20 minutes left, Jodi Jones seized his moment, latching onto a loose ball and smashing it into the far corner from 15 yards out. The third goal was a hammer blow to Salford’s hopes and a fitting reward for Jones’ relentless energy throughout the contest.
Jones nearly added a fourth from a free-kick, but Salford’s Matty Young was equal to the task, producing a fine save to keep the scoreline respectable. Notts County then made a flurry of late substitutions, with Maziar Kouhyar, Lee Ndlovu, and Keanan Bennetts entering the fray for Jones, Jatta, and Tsaroulla, allowing the departing trio to soak up the applause from the jubilant County supporters.
Salford continued to battle, with Cole Stockton replacing Josh Austerfield as they searched for a consolation goal. However, County’s defense remained unyielding. The match saw its share of disciplinary action, with Ben Woodburn shown a yellow card in the 92nd minute for a bad tackle on Grant, capping off a feisty encounter.
As the final whistle sounded, Notts County’s players and fans erupted in celebration. The victory not only secured promotion but also marked the end of an 11-year journey back to League One—a testament to the club’s perseverance and ambition. The Sky Bet League Two Play-Offs Final trophy was hoisted high, the culmination of a season’s hard work and a day that will live long in the memory of everyone connected with the club.
Reflecting on the match, pundits and fans alike praised Notts County’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing. The contributions of Jatta, Ness, and Jones were singled out, while the team’s collective effort on both sides of the ball drew admiration. Salford City, for their part, left everything on the field but were ultimately undone by County’s quality in the decisive moments.
Wembley has witnessed its share of footballing drama over the years, but for Notts County, this was a day of redemption and renewal. As the celebrations continued long into the evening, thoughts inevitably turned to the challenges and opportunities that await in League One. For now, though, the Magpies can savor their triumph—a reward richly deserved after more than a decade of striving to return to the third tier.
With the dust settling on a thrilling playoff final weekend, Notts County’s promotion story stands as a reminder of football’s enduring capacity to inspire, surprise, and unite. The journey to League One is complete, and a new chapter beckons for one of England’s oldest clubs.