Notts County will face either Crewe Alexandra or Walsall in the League Two play-off final at Wembley after surviving a late Chesterfield fightback to win 1-0 on aggregate. The Magpies, managed by Ian Burchnall, held firm in a nervy second leg at Meadow Lane to book their place in the showpiece decider.

Jayden Luker’s first-half strike on Friday proved the difference as County held on despite Chesterfield’s late pressure. The defender, on loan from Luton Town, capitalized on a loose ball to fire past Ryan Boot in the 37th minute. Chesterfield pressed hard for an equalizer but found Notts County’s defense resolute under pressure.

Chesterfield, who finished sixth in League Two, started brightly at Meadow Lane. James Berry, on loan from Wycombe Wanderers, tested Boot early with a curling effort before County’s first meaningful chance arrived. Scott Robertson forced a save from the Chesterfield keeper, but Luker’s goal set the tone for the evening.

The second half saw Chesterfield ramp up their efforts, with Ollie Norburn’s reckless challenge on Ryan Stirk going unpunished by referee Thomas Parsons. County survived the scare before Berry and Markanday went close for the Spireites. Belshaw made a crucial save from Markanday in the 54th minute, keeping County’s lead intact.

Referee Parsons was forced to leave the field with an injury late on as Chesterfield threw everything forward. County dug deep to repel the final barrage, with defenders including Norburn and Luke Garratt standing firm. The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the County faithful.

Burchnall praised his team’s resilience after the match. “I was pleased with moments of the first half, the second half I was not pleased,” he said. “I thought Chesterfield were excellent in the second half. We had to suffer and come through those periods. They were pulling us apart. But we stood firm and worked hard.”

Chesterfield manager Paul Cook admitted his side fell short despite a strong performance. “You just congratulate Notts County and we wish them well,” Cook said. “There is not much in the games; the margins are small. Tonight, I can’t ask anymore out of the players.”

Notts County, who finished seventh in League Two, will now prepare for their play-off final clash at Wembley on May 25. The winner will earn promotion to League One, joining Northampton Town, who secured automatic promotion.

The Magpies’ journey to Wembley marks their first play-off final appearance since 2018, when they lost to Coventry City. This season’s run has been built on defensive solidity and clutch goals, with Luker’s strike against Chesterfield proving decisive once again.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: Sky Sports
  • Published: May 15, 2026 at 22:00 UTC
  • Category: Sports
  • Topics: #sky-sports · #football · #premier-league · #notts-county · #wembley · #chesterfield-notts-county

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Curated by GlobalBR News · May 15, 2026

🇧🇷 Resumo em Português

O Notts County garantiu vaga na final do play-off da League Two ao vencer o Chesterfield por 1-0 no agregado, com gol do zagueiro Jayden Luker, e agora sonha com o retorno ao lendário estádio de Wembley. A classificação histórica coloca o clube, um dos mais antigos da Inglaterra, a poucos passos de uma possível promoção à terceira divisão, um feito que não alcança há mais de uma década. A vitória, decidida nos minutos finais da prorrogação, emocionou a torcida que lotou o Meadow Lane, confirmando o potencial de uma equipe que busca reescrever sua trajetória no futebol inglês.

Para o Brasil, a classificação do Notts County pode parecer apenas mais um capítulo do futebol inglês, mas carrega um simbolismo especial: o clube é o segundo mais antigo do mundo ainda em atividade, fundado em 1862, e tem raízes que remontam à própria origem do esporte moderno. No contexto atual, em que o futebol brasileiro debate reformas estruturais e a busca por novos talentos, a história do Notts County serve como um lembrete de como tradição e resiliência podem pavimentar o caminho para o futuro. Além disso, a campanha do time inglês reforça a importância dos play-offs como uma válvula de escape para clubes que, mesmo com menos recursos, não abrem mão de sonhar grande.

A final do play-off da League Two está marcada para 18 de maio, e o Notts County enfrentará o vencedor da disputa entre Salford City e Tranmere Rovers, em um confronto que pode definir não só o acesso à terceira divisão, mas também o ingresso em Wembley — palco de glórias e memórias inesquecíveis para qualquer clube.