MAGPIES' MESSI IS MAN OF MAGIC

THE magic of Cal Roberts ensured Notts County enjoyed the perfect one-year celebration since their existence was secured – and sent them to Wembley for a shot at a Football League return.

- MATT BADCOCK

It’s 12 months to the day that Notts were saved from oblivion. In many ways relegation out of the Football League for the first time in their history was the least of their problems.

Unpaid wages, debts piling up...the summer was spent worrying whether there would even be a club.

On July 26, Danish brothers Alexander and Christoffer Reedtz completed a rescue package. The Magpies lived to fight another day.

Even so, the fact boss Neal Ardley has hauled his side around in such a short space of time should not be underestimated.

Instant returns from the National League are collectors’ items. The relentless and unique nature of the division has consumed many an exLeague side.

The last side to get straight back up were Bristol Rovers in 2015 and they needed a penalty shoot-out in the promotion final.

But Ardley’s side have that opportunity to make their stay in Non-League whistle-stop – not withstanding a potential FA Trophy semi-final that is still to be played.

When the quick-feet of Roberts added to Kristian Dennis’ first-half header, a trip to Wembley to play Harrogate Town next Sunday always looked on the cards.