MAG-NIFICENT
Last-gasp JJ sends County to Wembley
IN A script too far-fetched even for the most creative Hollywood moguls, Jodi Jones turned Meadow Lane into Notts County’s own Sunset Boulevard.
The hourglass was down to the last grains of sand in extra time when substitute Jones’ fierce angled shot veered beyond Boreham Wood keeper Joe McDonnell and sent County to Wembley this Saturday.
Manager Luke Williams dissolved into a delirious war dance on the touchline, saying: “I’ve never experienced such a lethal cocktail of emotions. If they could sell it, we’re all in trouble.”
By the time Maltese international Jones delivered his stunning punchline, the Magpies had already turned brinkmanship into a fine art after Aden Baldwin’s 97th-minute equaliser
had forced the extra half hour. Hollywood loves a happy ending and after stockpiling 107 points, scoring 117 goals and finishing 35 points ahead of Wood in the regular National League season, justice was done at the last gasp.
But for most of a breathless afternoon,
Williams’ progressive side
– pipped to automatic promotion by Deadpool film star Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham circus – appeared doomed to finish a dramatic season on the cutting room floor.
Femi Ilesanmi bundled in George Braodbent’s cross after 38 minutes and Lee Ndlovu had Boreham Wood 2-0 up on the stroke of half-time.
But Baldwin reduced the deficit and then came the late, late show.
Williams said: “The truth is that, if you have a group of players with so much relentlessness and determination to win, you are going to create the opportunities for high drama.”
“That’s the most important goal and the best feeling I’ve experienced in football,” said Jones, who is likely to be playing against England at Wembley in a Euro 2024 qualifier in November.
Boreham Wood, who have the lowest average gate in the fifth tier, were fantastic and if Ndlovu had converted a glorious chance to make it 3-1 instead of hitting the post, they might have been swaying down Wembley Way next weekend instead.
Long-serving boss Luke Garrard said: “No one wants to be the bridesmaid, but I’m super proud of my team and what we’ve achieved.
“We’ve been punching miles above our weight and it’s hard to take when you are so close.”