NOTTS COUNTY have progressed to the National League playoff final after a dramatic comeback win against Boreham Wood.
County had seen themselves stumble to 2-0 down at Meadow Lane after first-half goals from Femi Ilesanmi and Lee Ndlovu.
The Magpies, who were pipped to the title by Wrexham in the regular season, were determined not to be denied.
Aden Baldwin got the comeback started just two minutes into the second half.
A penalty save from emergency loan signing Joe McDonnell to deny Ruben Rodrigues ensured Boreham Wood’s lead remained intact to frustrate the home side later in the second half.
However, in the 97th minute, Baldwin found some space in the penalty area and directed a powerful header past McDonnell, sparking wild scenes as the game was dragged into extra time.
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And it would take the full length of extra time to find a winner.
After a 120th minute corner was seemingly cleared away, County super sub Jodi Jones picked up the ball on the left side of the area.
He pushed the ball past his marker before smashing an effort towards goal straight at McDonnell.
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But McDonnell went from hero to villain as he failed to push the effort away, instead seeing the ball deflect off his hands and into the roof of the net.
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Jones wheeled away in celebration as the crowd erupted into deafening cheers.
Following the final whistle, Meadow Lane saw itself become the scene of a pitch invasion as fans celebrated the semi-final win.
And it means Luke Williams will take the Magpies down to Wembley for the final on May 13.
There they will face off with either Chesterfield or Bromley – with the latter beating Wrexham in last years EFL Trophy final.
County will be hoping to end their losing streak in the National League playoffs.
They have failed to earn promotion through the playoffs in each of the last three seasons.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
