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Notts County Earn League One Promotion, Beckham Watches

5/26/2026

25 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Notts County Promotion

Notts County secured promotion to League One by beating Salford City 3-0, with goals from Alassana Jatta, Lucas Ness and Jodi Jones.
James Belshaw kept a clean sheet, making a brave block early in the second half, as pitch-side temperature neared 37 °C.
David Beckham and Gary Neville watched from the stands while Salford manager Karl Robinson said his side felt low and hurt after the defeat.

Summary

Notts County Play-off

The League Two play-off final began at 3 pm BST on Monday 25 May 2026 and aired on Sky Sports Event and Football.
The match was available on Sky Go with a Sky Sports subscription, on NOW, and free on CBS Sports Golazo Network for U.S. audiences.
Nottingham City Council organized a home-coming on Tuesday 26 May 2026 at the Council House balcony in Old Market Square, closing roads, offering free water and banning flares and pyrotechnics.

Summary

Jones Celebrates Win

Jodi Jones called the win one of the best days of his life, describing it as deeply emotional.
The 28-year-old Malta international said he spent over five years without a league start before resurging at Notts County.
Manager Martin Paterson said he had won 27 of 54 games, was relieved the season’s objective was met, and praised the squad’s “phenomenal” support as the most complete performance.

History

Historical Context

Since the Football League introduced promotion play-offs in 1987 to shrink the First Division from 22 to 20 clubs, the contests have been held annually, initially as two-legged finals before moving to a single Wembley match in 1990. The 2026 final, streamed by Sky Sports and CBS, saw Notts County defeat Salford City 3-0, echoing the format’s lasting impact on club fortunes.

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Notts County Promotion

Notts County secured promotion to League One by beating Salford City 3-0, with goals from Alassana Jatta, Lucas Ness and Jodi Jones.
James Belshaw kept a clean sheet, making a brave block early in the second half, as pitch-side temperature neared 37 °C.
David Beckham and Gary Neville watched from the stands while Salford manager Karl Robinson said his side felt low and hurt after the defeat.

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