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Notts County brought an end to their 11-year wait for a return to League One with a convincing 3-0 win over Salford City in the League Two play-off final at Wembley Stadium. Standout displays from Alassana Jatta and Jodi Jones ensured a forgettable afternoon for Salford’s celebrity co-owners.

Magpies dominate under scorching Wembley sun

In blazing temperatures of around 37 degrees, Notts County were dominant from start to finish, controlling possession and displaying ruthless efficiency in front of goal. After a tense opening half-hour, the Magpies broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute through Jatta.

A quick counter-attack initiated by goalkeeper James Belshaw allowed Jones to thread a superb through-ball that split the Salford defence, setting up Jatta to calmly slot home his 17th goal of the season.

The more than 20,000 County fans in attendance had more reason to celebrate before the break. Following a rash tackle on Jones by Haji Mnonga, County capitalised from the ensuing set-piece. Captain Rod McDonald nodded a cross back across goal, where Lucas Ness rose above everyone to head in, giving Salford a mountain to climb in the second half.

Salford fail to mount a comeback

Salford City — co-owned by Manchester United icons David Beckham and Gary Neville — struggled to find their rhythm despite having beaten County twice during the regular season.

The Greater Manchester side believed they should have had a penalty when a cross from substitute Ben Woodburn appeared to strike Jacob Bedeau’s arm, but referee Tom Reeves waved play on. With such decisions not going their way, Salford were left to face the disappointment of another season in the fourth tier of English football.

Jones seals the win

Man of the match Jodi Jones capped a superb individual performance by scoring the third goal in the 70th minute. Conor Grant did well down the right flank before cutting the ball back to Jones, who anticipated the play better than Graydon and coolly finished past the keeper, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.

The triumph represents a landmark moment for Notts County — the world’s oldest professional football club and a founding member of the Football League. After an 11-year exile from the third tier, the Magpies have finally regained their place in League One, while Salford must regroup and try again to progress up the divisions.

Disappointment for Beckham and Neville

In the stands, television cameras frequently caught Beckham and Neville looking visibly frustrated as they watched their side struggle. For Beckham, it was a sorrowful return to Wembley, the venue where he earned many of his 115 England caps. Alongside him were fellow Class of ’92 members Nicky Butt and Neville, witnessing their team fall short at the final stage.

Although Salford have experienced a rapid rise through the non-league ranks over the past decade, this loss underscored the fierce competitiveness of League Two. Meanwhile, for Notts County, the celebrations are set to continue well into the night as they prepare for a fresh start in League One.