Jodi Jones: Notts County Winger Overcomes Injuries to Shine at Wembley Notts County’s winger Jodi Jones delivered a standout performance at Wembley, helping his side secure promotion to League One with a 3-0 victory over Salford City in the League Two play-off final. The 28-year-old, who had once been sidelined for over five years due to injury, stole the spotlight with a virtuoso display, contributing to two first-half goals and scoring the decisive third. His performance earned him the man-of-the-match award from both Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth and Bromley counterpart Andy Woodman, marking a triumphant return to the national stage. Jones’ journey to this moment has been anything but straightforward. After suffering three anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injuries during his time at Coventry City, he was sidelined for 897 days between November 2017 and August 2021, missing 130 league games. During this period, he went more than five years without starting a league match, a stretch that tested his resolve. However, his perseverance paid off when he joined Notts County on loan from Oxford United in January 2023. His impact was immediate, as he played a pivotal role in Notts’ National League promotion final victory against Chesterfield in 2023, scoring a penalty in the shootout. The recent play-off final was a culmination of his efforts. Jones’ 10th goal of the season for Notts, which sealed the promotion, was a testament to his resurgence. Speaking to BBC Sport, he expressed his joy at the achievement, calling it “one of the best days in my footballing career.” He also shared an ambitious prediction, stating that his former clubs—Arsenal, Coventry, and Notts County—would all enjoy success this season.#wembley #coventry_city #oxford_united #notts_county #jodi_jones
Notts County beat David Beckham's Salford in League Two playoff final Notts County secured a 3-0 victory over Salford City in the League Two playoff final at Wembley Stadium, reclaiming a League One spot after an 11-year absence. The match, which saw former England captain David Beckham and his co-owned Salford side suffer a crushing defeat, highlighted the stark contrast between the two teams’ histories and current standings. Notts County, founded in 1862 and a founding member of the Football League, dominated the game, while Salford City, which had only escaped the non-league system seven years ago, were forced to remain in the fourth tier for at least another season. The match unfolded under sweltering conditions, with temperatures nearing 37 degrees Celsius, but Notts County’s attacking prowess proved decisive. The first goal came in the 32nd minute, orchestrated by Jodi Jones. After a through-ball from Jones, Alassana Jatta capitalized on a defensive error, side-footing the ball past Salford goalkeeper Matt Young. The goal was met with overwhelming support from Notts’ 20,000 fans, who celebrated Jones’ 17th goal of the season. Salford, who had previously defeated Notts in both regular-season meetings, struggled to match their opponents’ intensity. Haji Mnonga was booked for a reckless challenge on Jones just before halftime, and the hosts’ inability to capitalize on set-pieces became a recurring theme. A free kick in the 58th minute led to Notts’ second goal, as Rod McDonald headed home from a cross by Ben Woodburn, who had replaced the injured Kallum Cesay. The decisive moment came in the 70th minute when Jones scored his second goal of the match. Conor Grant’s run down the right flank created space for Jones, who outpaced Salford’s defenders to slot the ball past Young.#david_beckham #wembley_stadium #notts_county #salford_city #jodi_jones
