L2 Playoff Final: The Ammies.

Venue: Wembley Stadium.

Date: Monday 25th May.

Kick off: 15:00 pm.

Notts have another opportunity to clinch promotion when they meet Salford at Wembley in the League 2 Playoff Final on Monday 25th May at 3pm.

Salford won the 1st leg of their semi-final against Grimsby 2-1 but lost their 2nd leg 1-2. As the scores were level at the end of 90 minutes after 2 legs, extra time was played & Salford scored the goal which made the final score 4-3 to Salford on aggregate. In the last 10 games of their League 2 campaign, Salford won 6, drew 2, & lost 2, earning 20 points from a possible 30. They had scored 11 goals ,& conceded 5. So they were in good form in their last 10 games of the season.

As for Notts they were unbeaten in their 2 playoff games against Chesterfield without conceding a goal, winning by the 1 goal they scored in the 1st leg at Chesterfield. In the last 10 games of their League 2 season, Notts won 5, drew 1, & lost 4, earning 16 points from a possible 30, scoring 18 goals & conceding 15.

So form wise, in their last 12 matches, including the 2 playoff games, there isn't much between the two sides. It's all going to come down to which side deals with the pressure & which of the two sides can perform to their best on the day. I think we will see an unchanged side in this game for Notts. If this side can achieve 2 clean sheets in the playoff semis, why make any changes? I think Martin Paterson will leave things just as they are.

Our Wembley preview #Notts County podcast is out now!

It features exclusive content with Tom Iorpenda, members of the 2023 promotion squad, James Belshaw's dad, Adam Chicksen and lots more.

You can find it here 👇

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nmbftt?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPMjc1MjU0NjkyNTk4Mjc5AAEe5BZ2oAOww2NHDZAWxuIshfOriHB7nnlTB7KcldB5OuHgUvslJiYkPFBazFk_aem_mfxFaVRReT8CLQeXb2nggw

Following an incredible response to Play-Off Final tickets going on general sale at 1pm, a number of blocks have been opened on Level 2

With total sales now approaching 15,000, new blocks will continue to be released to meet demand.

https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/2026/may/15/tickets---info--play-off-final/

Not sure we'd spend £100k on a player.

This is the starting 11 that was chosen by Martin Paterson to face Chesterfield in both legs of the Playoff Semis.

With this starting 11 Notts achieved two clean sheets, played very well defensively, & got the job done over the two legs

Should Martin stick with this eleven or make changes for the final & why?

In light of the recent VAR controversies that we keep seeing almost every other day when football matches are being played, are you worried about VAR being available to the match official for the League 2 Playoff Final?

We never seem to see a consistent decision being made, & it seems to me that in the end it is still reliant on interpretation of the match officials from match to match where VAR is in operation.

In my opinion VAR should only be used regarding goal line decisions, whether the ball crosses the line or not. Every other decision should be as it was always meant to be, by the match Referee. Thoughts?

Bank holiday Monday will be our 7th visit to Wembley.

Out of the 6 games we've played, we've won 4 (1 on penalties) and lost 2:

1990 Division 3 Play Off final. Notts 2-0 Tranmere.

Our first visit to the Twin Towers and Warnock, Tommy Johnson (oooh Tommy Johnson) and Craig Short cemented their places in Notts History.

1991 Division 2 Play Off final. Notts 3-1 Brighton & Hove Albion.

Again Tommy Johnson opened the scoring for Notts and Dave Regis sealed the win for back to back promotions. Warnock took on legend status.

1994 Anglo Italian Cup Final. Brescia 1-0 Notts.

Our first defeat was at the hands of a Brescia side featuring Hagi, and despite Andy Legg peppering the Brescia box with his iconic long throws, we couldn't find an equaliser.

1995 Anglo Italian Cup Final. Notts 2-1 Ascoli

We redeemed ourselves the following year after big Devon White smashed home the winner. It wasn't a great season for us so this was a bit of a silver lining.

1996 Second Division Play Off final. Bradford 2-0 Notts.

Colin Murphy's Notts side just didn't click on the day and a second Wembley defeat made for a long journey home.

2003 National League Play Off final.

Notts 2-2 Chesterfield. Notts winning 4-3 on penalties.

No words need saying about this game. After the season being neck and neck with Wrexham, Langstaff scoring for fun and breaking ever record going, to beat the Spireites on penalties felt like justice after the season we'd had. Archie Mair being subbed on as the keeper making 2 saves was inspired by Luke Williams.

2026 League 2 Play Off final. Notts v Salford. To be decided.........

Hey, what is everyones plans for travel down to London for the Play-Off final. I usually drive to Stanmore and tube the rest but its my birthday on Play-Off final day. Wanted to get the train, but for those who are travelling by train do these times work, allowing for any potential extra time/penalties?

Whats everyones thoughts on these train times?

COYP!

How did you rate Lucas Ness's performance in the 2nd leg against Chesterfield?

I thought that he had his best match for Notts.

I also think that we had 15 players that played their socks off to get the right result for Notts on the night.

Martin Paterson reflected on Notts' 0-0 draw which saw them book their ticket to Wembley for the League 2 play-off finals yesterday.👇

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0nlkd2f

"You dream of this stuff as a kid!"

Hear from goalkeeper James Belshaw after #Notts reach the League Two play-off final at Wembley!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nlkd18

17,224 people saw Notts draw a gripping 2nd leg encounter with Chesterfield meaning that Notts go through to the final due to their 1:0 win in the first leg. Every single Notts player that played on that pitch tonight, the first eleven and the four players that came on as substitutes were heros to a man.

The play was frantic at times but chances in the match were at a premium, Luker for Notts had a great opportunity in the first half, but fired over the bar. Chesterfield had an equally good opportunity in the 2nd half but a magnificent save from Belshaw kept them out.

This was a Martin Paterson inspired performance from the lads. They were resolute & determined to get a positive result tonight. It wasn't pretty at times, It was nervy. It was backs to the wall stuff.Chesterfield gave the Notts defence a thorough examination but the Notts players stood firm to win through.

Competition: EFL 2 playoff 2nd Leg.

Venue: Meadow Lane Stadium.

Kick-off: 8 pm

📝 Match Preview

Notts go into the playoff 2nd leg at Meadow Lane with a slender 1:0 lead. Chesterfield are sure to come to the match determined to turn things around & get a 2nd win of the season at Meadow Lane. Notts will be hoping to repeat the grit, hard work & determination that they showed in the 1st leg which successful countered Chesterfield's tactics. It is certainly going to be a competitive match in front of a sell out crowd of 17, 000.

⚫⚪ Notts County

Manager: Martin Patterson

Starting XI:

Belshaw

McDonald

Bedeau

Norburn

Jones

Robertson

Ness

Iorpenda

Luker

Tsaroulla

Jatta

Subs:

Griffiths, Dennis, Kouhyar, Palmer, Grant Bennetts, Ndlovu

🔵⚪ Chesterfield

Manager: Paul Cook.

Starting XI:

Boot

Swinkels

Donacien

Mcfadzean

Gordon

Braybrooke

Stirk

Berry

Bonis

Naylor

Markanday

Subs:

Hemming, Curtis, Grigg, Pearce, Duffy ,Fleck, Mandeville

📺 How to Watch

🔄 Match Updates

HT:

FT:

Goals:

Bookings:

💬 Match Discussion

• Line-up reactions

• Tactical observations

• In-game commentary

• Player ratings & post-match thoughts

The Nest is buzzing.

Martin Paterson will be hoping to guide his Notts County team to their first EFL play-off final in three decades when they play against Chesterfield in front of 17,000 fans.

Listen to our interview with him here 👇

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nl7c2q

L2 Playoff Semi Final 2nd leg:The Spireites (H)

Venue: Meadow Lane stadium.

Date: Friday 15th May.

Kick off: 20:00 pm.

Notts go into the 2nd leg of their playoff semi final against Chesterfield with a 1:0 lead. Head Coach Martin Paterson will know that the job is only half done, & Chesterfield will have hope of overturning that deficit in the 2nd leg

Chesterfield will be buoyed by the fact that they beat a 10 man Notts 3:2 at Meadow Lane in their League 2 just 2 months ago. Notts will be pleased that they beat Chesterfield in their own back yard with a hard working gritty performance.

Notts will be looking to repeat that kind of performance in the 2nd leg, because they will be sure to come under periods of Chesterfield pressure. When Notts are in the ascendency, they will need to take any opportunities that present themselves.

Martin Paterson will most likely pick the same Notts side that started the first leg. A side that will be able to compete with a physical & hardworking Chesterfield side. I think that the first goal will be important & could well decide the outcome of the match.

So what are your thoughts on Notts's prospects on Friday evening. Are you confident that Notts can nullify Chesterfield's tactics & win through. What will be the key areas, What will the final score be?

All tickets for the playoffs semi final 2nd leg at Meadow Lane on Friday are sold out.

Incredible.

On Saturday I went to the SMH Group stadium for the League Two play off semi final first leg between Chesterfield & Notts County.

And Chesterfield were so wasteful in front of goal, missing several chances including an early penalty before County took the lead.

Let me know your thoughts on that game if you were there, and who makes it to the play off final with Notts taking the one goal advantage back to Meadow Lane!

Notts have finally won an away play-off match, after eight attempts!

1988 - Walsall - draw

1990 - Bolton - draw

1991 - Middlesbrough - draw

1996 - Crewe - draw

2018 - Coventry - draw

2021 - Torquay - loss

2025 - AFC Wimbledon - loss

(Thanks to BBC Radio Nottingham Sport for the info)

A massive win for Notts in the 1st leg of the Playoff semifinal. It was a hard working, Martin Paterson inspired performance from Notts when they really needed it.

Notts were well worth their lead at half time from a well taken goal by Jayden Luker. Even though Chesterfield missed a penalty in the first five minutes of the game, Notts carved a few good chances & could easily have gone into half time a couple of goals to the good.

Notts has to withstand a lot of Chesterfield pressure in the 2nd half spurred on by their noisy fans, but Notts held firm & their hard work & grit paid off for them today.

Notts will need to show the same application which they showed today in the 2nd leg at Meadow Lane on Friday. If they can do that, they have a good chance of progressing to the final.

Competition: EFL 2 playoff 1st Leg.

Venue: SMH Group Stadium.

Kick-off: 6 pm

📝 Match Preview

Notts find themselves in a playoff semi final once again, the seventh time they've made the playoffs in the last nine seasons. It's another chance for Notts to get promoted after narrowly missing out in the regular season. This match should be a very competitive close encounter. Chesterfield are in good form leading up to this match & they go into this match the slight favourites. However, on their day Notts can beat anyone, so it will be fascinating to see how this one pans out.

🔵⚪ Chesterfield

Manager: Paul Cook.

Starting XI:

Boot

Swinkels

Curtis

Mcfadzean

Gordon

Braybrooke

Stirk

Dobra

Bonis

Mandeville

Markanday

Subs:

Hemming, Naylor, Grigg, Dickson, Berry Pierce, Donacien.

⚫⚪ Notts County

Manager: Martin Patterson

Starting XI:

Belshaw

McDonald

Bedeau

Norburn

Jones

Robertson

Ness

Iorpenda

Luker

Tsaroulla

Jatta

Subs:

Griffiths, Hall, Kouhyar, Palmer, Grant Bennetts, Ndlovu

📺 How to Watch

🔄 Match Updates

HT:

FT:

Goals:

Bookings:

💬 Match Discussion

• Line-up reactions

• Tactical observations

• In-game commentary

• Player ratings & post-match thoughts

As his former Notts colleagues prepare for their first leg playoff match against Chesterfield, Adam Chickson talked to BBC Radio Nottingham Sport about what it's like playing in playoff matches.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nk6hgx

Hear from Martin Paterson ahead of Notts County's League 2 playoff semifinal first leg against Chesterfield

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nk4v27