Notts County’s Playoff Ambitions Strengthen After Victory Over Crawley Town

18 January 2026 Football

Introduction: The World’s Oldest Club Eyes Promotion

Founded in 1862, Notts County holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest professional football club. Currently competing in EFL League Two, the Magpies are once again chasing promotion, with their sights firmly set on securing a playoff position. The win lifted Notts into the play-off places following their recent victory against Crawley Town, reigniting hopes for a return to League One after years of rebuilding at Meadow Lane.

Recent Form and Key Victory

Second-half goals from Jodi Jones and Alassana Jatta gave Notts County their first league win in five games with a 2-1 victory at 10-man Crawley. The January 17th match saw Notts keeper James Belshaw, brought in for his debut having been signed from Harrogate, produced a fine double save to keep his side in contention. Despite the positive result, Notts County boss Martin Paterson stressed his men would not be getting carried away after their 2-1 victory at 10-man Crawley and said they had much still to work on.

Season Context and Playoff Race

The Magpies’ place in the top seven is at stake given that they sit sixth in the table with 39 points, just one point above eighth-placed Cambridge United. Currently in their third consecutive League Two season, Notts County continue to rebuild under manager Martin Paterson, competing against clubs including Milton Keynes Dons, Swindon Town, and other fourth-tier sides. Based in Nottingham and playing at Meadow Lane since 1910, the Magpies currently compete in EFL League Two following their return to the Football League in 2023 after four years in the National League.

Conclusion: A Crucial Period Ahead

As the season progresses, Notts County faces a critical period in their promotion campaign. With the playoff race intensely competitive and multiple teams within touching distance, every match carries significant weight. The Magpies’ rich history—including being one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888—adds pressure and expectation to their quest for promotion. Manager Paterson’s cautious approach, emphasising continuous improvement despite recent success, suggests a pragmatic strategy for the challenging months ahead. For supporters of the world’s oldest professional club, the dream of League One football remains tantalizingly within reach.