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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Never the easy way and impactful changes: Key talking points from Notts County's play-off semi-final

On the weekend of King's coronation, Notts County went one step closer to crowning this special season with promotion from the fifth division.

The Magpies booked their place in the National League play-off final following a dramatic turnaround against Boreham Wood - setting up a final with local rivals Chesterfield to regain their status in the football league.

A season fit for the bright lights of Hollywood, Notts will hope they can deliver one final act at the home of football to provide a deserved ending to this special campaign.

READ MORE: Jodi Jones reveals Notts County moment is 'the best' in his professional career

READ MORE: Wrexham co-owner responds to brilliant Notts County video after play-off joy

Here is a look at the key talking points from Meadow Lane.

Never the easy way

Notts continue to take years off their supporters and yesterday was no different, coming from behind for the sixth time this campaign - the best one yet when we thought we had just about seen it all.

But they were creators of their downfall with two defensive lapses gifting Boreham Wood their two-goal advantage as Femi Ilesanmi bundled the ball home after George Broadbent was able to get in behind the Magpies' high-line before John Bostock's loose ball to Aden Baldwin was intercepted by Lee Ndlovu to stun those in attendance.

They had seen this story all before, the dreaded play-offs looked set to end this special season in the most heartbreaking of circumstances, but as we have come to learn, this is no ordinary Notts County team.

Just two minutes into the second half, Baldwin struck his first professional goal of his career from distance having threatened during the first 45 - Meadow Lane filled with optimism of one more special performance from this group of players to book their place under the Wembley arch.

While they huffed and puffed, the division's tightest defence stood firm and continued to frustrate the home fans, both with their defensive showing coupled with players going down with injuries, only to spring back to their feet seconds later.

The moment when Ruben Rodrigues saw his penalty saved by former Notts keeper Joe McDonnell, many were thinking that today was just not going to be their day.

But there was something poetic about how events unfolded in the closing stages, reminiscent of the Magpies' play-off defeat to Grimsby last term, conceding in the 96th and 119th minute to crash out at the quarter-final stage - only this time roles were reversed.

Jodi Jones' introduction provided that injection of pace and directness as his cross found the head of Baldwin inside the area to send the game to extra-time before firing an effort through a crowd of bodies to spark wild scenes around Meadow Lane, moments that will live long in the memory.

Both Baldwin and Jones had yet to score for Notts this term, but boy did they pick their moment to do so.

Impactful changes once more

As we have said many times this season, Williams' substitutions have been spot-on in turning games around, and yesterday was no different.

Normally used as an impact player, Sam Austin was given the nod in attacking midfield of Cedwyn Scott but for all of his hard work and tireless running, perhaps failed to create as many opportunities as we have become accustomed to seeing from him this season.

Both Aaron Nemane and Adam Chicksen were also kept quiet in an avenue that has been fruitful for the Magpies throughout the campaign - the pair often forced to play backward rather than towards goal when we see them at their best.

Having missed four chances in the first half and missing a penalty in the second half, it just wasn't Rodrigues' day but he was out on his feet as the game reached extra-time with Jim O'Brien introduced in his place to provide that grit and experience of a man who has witnessed Notts' play-off heartache first hand.

But despite the heightened emotion and the importance of the occasion, Williams remained level-headed and picked his moments to make his alterations to turn the game in their favour, with Jones providing two vital contributions late on to confirm Notts' place at Wembley.

For Jason

In his post-match comments, Williams insisted that late CEO Jason Turner may have had something to do with how the events unfolded yesterday.

The much-loved 50-year-old sadly passed away in March, with players, friends, and family attending his funeral on Wednesday afternoon - the Notts head coach was one of those to carry his coffin on an emotional day for everyone involved with the football club.

"Look at him, he's there and I am sure that the smile got broader after the game," Williams told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"Honestly he looks happier but at one point I looked across and he was frowning at me, but it was a tough day and the whole time has been tough to lose Jason.

"It's hard to explain, but Jason looked after me and protected me and nothing ever seemed to be a problem, but I am learning more and more that many things were a problem, and he just didn't bring it to me.

"To carry all of these problems but to still come into my office with joy all the time and always making sure I was okay, that is something I will never forget and I owe him so much."

Concerning moments

Whether it was the nerves and pressure riding on the shoulders of those in black and white, the Magpies were not quite at their best which was addressed by Williams following the full-time whistle.

Normally known for their precision in possession and composure on the ball, Notts were uncharacteristically sloppy on several occasions during the encounter, switching off in vital moments that came back to haunt them when Luke Garrard's side went into the break two goals to the good.

Having started the game well and creating several chances, Williams explained that his side 'snatched' at the opportunities they created - Rodrigues spurning four glorious chances in the first half, with Notts punished for their wastefulness in the final third.

Both of The Wood's goals came from Notts' mistakes, with Broadbent allowed the freedom to roam into the final third to beat the offside trap after running free of Matty Palmer, before a culmination of errors resulted in Ndlovu bringing his finger to his lips to shush the Kop - players should know by now never to do that.

And having just got themselves back into the game following Baldwin's long-range strike, the defender almost gifted the visitors the third of the afternoon, failing to see the lurking Ndlovu but fortunately, the number nine was unable to restore their two-goal advantage as his effort brushed the side-netting - much to the relief of those inside the stadium.

While how the game was won will bring some positives for the Notts head coach, those costly errors I am sure will be put under the microscope in his preparations for this weekend.

Incredible celebrations

There have been some standout moments during this incredible campaign, but yesterday goes right to the top in the context of how the game was won and what it meant to everyone associated with the club.

Williams asked for a party atmosphere, and he certainly got one as fans arrived in their thousands early on to create that intense feeling around Meadow Lane to galvanise their players and be the 12th man.

Even when heading down the tunnel two-nil down and looking deflated and beaten, the reaction from those in attendance was one of encouragement, optimism, and belief.

On a day that meant so much, this special group of players delivered in the most dramatic of circumstances, with all that tension and anxiety let out for all three goals as Meadow Lane erupted into a cauldron of noise - the full-time whistle met with fans gracing the field, despite the best efforts of stadium announcer Andy Stokes to keep supporters away from the pitch, to embrace their heroes and create memories that will last for a lifetime.

A special day for a special club, with the hope that one more awaits them in the capital.

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