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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Another record and a perfect goal - Talking points from Notts County draw with York

The agonising wait until Notts County's play-off semi-final begins, with two games to decide whether this special season is rewarded with a return to the Football League.

Either Barnet or Boreham Wood await the Magpies at Meadow Lane next Sunday following the conclusion of the regular National League season - and both have taken points from Luke Williams' side this campaign.

The nerves and excruciating memories of previous play-off campaigns will have already started to settle in. Notts County has seen this story before, one they are hoping this season finishes with the ending they deserve.

READ MORE: Luke Williams insists lessons will be learned ahead of play-off campaign

READ MORE: Notts County player ratings v York as Magpies held

Here is a look at the key talking points from Meadow Lane.

Another day, another record

Striker Macaulay Langstaff added yet another record to his collection in a quite remarkable first campaign at this level.

Many doubted his credentials as a the National League goal poacher, but time and again the Notts number nine has answered those critics, ending the regular season on 42. But they certainly won't be his last as Notts prepare for their play-off campaign.

It was a frustrating afternoon in front of goal for County, with York goalkeeper Ryan Whitley inspired throughout. He made two saves late on to earn his side a point on an afternoon to remember for the Minstermen.

But a moment of real quality at the end of the first half rewarded the Magpies for all of their possession and persistence, with John Bostock combining with Matty Palmer in midfield before Ruben Rodrigues' reversed pass in behind set Langstaff away, the frontman finishing calmly into the bottom corner.

Fresh from being crowned the fans' and players' player of the season, the Notts number nine added yet another accolade to his collection by breaking the all-time goal-scoring record in the fifth division, previously held by Nuneaton's Paul Culpin from the 1983/84 season.

Langstaff also ends the campaign with a club record for the most goals in a league season, and claimed the Golden Boot for 2022/23 by finishing four ahead of Wrexham's Paul Mullin.

A perfect goal to concede

While the draw did not determine anything in terms of league position, how York's equalising goal will remind the Notts players and Williams to take nothing for granted in their one-off play-off fixture.

The visitors offered more of an attacking threat during the second half after rarely venturing into Notts territory, but were rewarded in the last minute of normal time when Shaq Forde was able to beat the high line before composing himself to finish beyond Sam Slocombe, sparking wild scene amongst the 1433 away supporters.

The Notts head coach insisted that lessons will be learned from the draw when they welcome either Barnet or Boreham Wood next Sunday, but York possibly provided the perfect opponents for the Magpies ahead of the play-offs.

Michael Morton's side aimed to crowd out Rodrigues while also doubling up on both Aaron Nemane and Adam Chicksen to nullify their involvement in the final third, operating with a low block and looking to hit Notts on the counter, which a few sides have found success with when visiting Meadow Lane.

Williams' side has often struggled against a side looking to sit back and allow Notts possession. However, it is difficult to critique the intensity we have become accustomed to seeing throughout the season, given the fact yesterday's result had little significance for County.

John Bostock influence

While Langstaff will be labelled as the signing of the season, there is no underestimating the value and experience John Bostock has provided since arriving at the club in December.

The midfielder has added composure and quality in midfield, forming a fantastic understanding alongside Matty Palmer - a partnership that was questioned during the first few months of his Notts career.

Bostock's understanding of the game and football league quality has seen the Magpies reach another level, showcasing his obvious talents on the ball while also having the ability to adapt and offer an option in the attacking third.

He also played a pivotal role in Langstaff's goal during the first half, picking up possession and being allowed time to play a defence-splitting pass into Palmer that eventually resulted in the Notts number nine opening the scoring.

With one eye on the play-offs, Williams withdrew Bostock from the action with 20 minutes to go in place of Jim O'Brien - and you felt that his absence from proceedings affected the game with York able to create more chances in the final third.

You feel as though the man with EFL experience will play a crucial role if Notts are to regain their football league status.

A special atmosphere

Even before kick-off, there seemed to be a carnival atmosphere surrounding Meadow Lane with both sets of supporters able to enjoy the occasion with the outcome of the result bearing little significance to their position in the table.

The game at Meadow Lane was also a reminder of the special season this club has had, both on and off the football pitch.

Notts County Women, who were crowned champions last month, were serenaded by those in attendance at half-time, with cries of 'Championes' ringing around Meadow Lane while Langstaff was presented with the Fans' and Players' Player of the Season awards by Notts County legend, Les Bradd.

Following full-time, the players and coaching staff participated in a lap of appreciation for the fans which was greeted with a wall of noise as the players stood in front of their adoring supporters - the noise deafening and something needed to be replicated when they welcome Barnet or Boreham Wood to Meadow Lane next week.

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