AFC Wimbledon Stand Firm as Notts County Seek Play-Off Redemption
It’s a massive day for both clubs as AFC Wimbledon and Notts County square off in the decisive second leg of their League Two play-off semi-final at Plough Lane. With a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg, the Dons have one foot in the play-off final—but anything can happen in this high-stakes showdown.
Let’s rewind quickly to that first leg. Riley Harbottle's goal was the difference-maker at Meadow Lane, giving Wimbledon a hard-earned edge. But that wasn’t the only drama. Notts County suffered a double blow when David McGoldrick, their experienced and influential forward, limped off in stoppage time. Moments later, top scorer Alassana Jatta was shown a straight red for a reckless challenge. Losing your top two scorers—who’ve combined for 39 goals this season—just before the second leg of a play-off? It’s a nightmare scenario for the Magpies.
Now, Notts County boss Stuart Maynard has had to reshuffle everything. With no natural focal point in attack, County are being forced into a tactical rethink. Maynard insists there's still "magic" in his team, but without McGoldrick and Jatta, it's going to take something special to unlock Wimbledon’s rock-solid defense.
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And when we say solid, we mean it. AFC Wimbledon have conceded the fewest goals in League Two this season—just 35—and boast 22 clean sheets, including one in that tense first leg. At home, they’ve been difficult to break down, even if their form dipped a little late in the season.
But Notts County shouldn’t be written off just yet. They’ve been strong on the road, racking up 37 goals away from home—the most in the division—and they know how to play under pressure. They've also spent more time in the top three than Wimbledon over the course of the season, so expectations have been high all along.
Today's winner earns a trip to Wembley to face Walsall in the final. Walsall secured their place with a dramatic win over Chesterfield, and they’ll be watching closely to see who they'll face on Monday, 26 May.
There’s so much riding on this for both clubs. For AFC Wimbledon, it’s about proving their grit and consistency across the season. For Notts County, it’s redemption. They’ve had the quality, the flair, the firepower—but now they have to dig deep without their stars.
It’s all set to be an intense, passionate clash in South London. The Dons have the advantage, but the Magpies are wounded—and dangerous. This is the kind of match where legacies are made and hearts are broken. Buckle up.
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