Notts Confirm Playoff Place

Stuart Maynard’s Magpies confirmed their spot in this season’s play-offs following a 3-1 win away to fifth place Harrogate Town.

Both sides netted one apiece just after the half hour mark, George Abbott with the opener for the visitors when he fired past James Belshaw, in the home girl, after David McGoldrick’s initial effort was blocked.

Town equalised just four minutes later though, Jack Muldoon controlling a long-ball from his ‘keeper, flicked it over the County defence, before finishing past Alex Bass, the two sides going in level at the break.

County re-took the lead within five minutes of the restart, Jodi Jones with some great work on the wing before another rebounded effort was put home, this time Alassana Jatta saw his effort saved at close-range from Belshaw, and Conor Grant put it home.

The hosts continued to create chances, searching for the equaliser as March fired over Bass’ crossbar, then, shortly before the game was put to bed, Muldoon saw his effort, from a corner, pushed away by the visiting shot-stopper.

Grant would notch his second of the afternoon with fourteen remaining, McGoldirck releasing Kellan Gordon, whose cross was squeezed home at Belshaw’s near post, sealing that much-wanted play-off spot.

Notts County – Alex Bass, Rod McDonald, Matty Platt, Jacob Bedeau, Kellan Gordon (Will Jarvis, 85), George Abbott (Jack Hinchy, 88), Matthew Plant, Jodi Jones (Mai Traore, 80), Conor Grant, David McGoldrick, Alassana Jatta (Charlie Whitaker, 80)

Now, with one game left of the season, County are still within an outside chance of claiming the third, automatic promotion spot, results dependant.

Bradford City currently hold third place, despite a third loss in six outings, falling to a stoppage time goal away to title hopefuls Doncaster Rovers, Billy Sharp with the winner against their ten-man visitors.

Fourth place Walsall, not that long ago on a seeming title procession, are winless in their last six outings, Saturday seeing a 1-0 loss to visitors Accrington Stanley, they travel to mid-table Crewe Alexandra on the final day.

County find themselves hosting Doncaster knowing a win could give them promotion, and put a stop to a title party at the same time, whilst AFC Wimbledon, who are winless in their last four now, lost against Port Vale, they and Doncaster sealing promotion with wins.

The final play-off spot will go to either of Salford City, Grimsby Town, Chesterfield, or Colchester United, with only two points splitting the four sides, the first two of which are separated by goal-difference.

Final day fixtures for the top ten as follows – Accrington Stanley vs Chesterfield, Bradford City vs. Fleetwood Town, Carlisle United vs. Salford City, Colchester United vs. Barrow, Crewe Alexandra vs. Walsall, Grimsby Town vs. AFC Wimbledon, Notts County vs. Doncaster Rovers, Port Vale vs. Gillingham

With all games on the final day a 3pm KO, Maynard’s promotion chasers welcome title hopefuls, Doncaster Rovers, to Meadow Lane, this coming Saturday, 3 May.