Thank you and farewell
Thank you for tuning in to this live coverage of this Vanarama National league Play-off final on VAVEL UK.
We hope you enjoyed the coverage and there will be more to come on the website.
Farewell for now.
That's all folks!
So there you have it!
Harrogate Town are Promoted to the Football League and Notts County will remain in non-league.
Simon Weaver
"The athleticism stood out and the characters, we just wanted it...After being dominant the first half... the next goal, they say at 2-0 is vital, we questioned ourselves a little bit, fell a little bit dept, impetutous... but Jon Stead was pivot and took it away from Notts County."
Simon Weaver is with us
“It’s unbelievable to actually hear those words (Promotion to the Football League)… it’s been some journey, hopefully this isn’t the end of it but we’ve had to go through loads to get here… hopefully people are learned more about Harrogate Town today.”
Josh Falkingham is here in Weaver's stead:
Betty's Team Room a hangover cure on Monday...Just an amazing feeling...
To play in such a short space of time, with such a small squad and no big names... we are a group of teammates and a close-knit group.
We were desperate (to win) so we feel deserved it... we managed the game, managed the tough little periods... we fully deserved the win.
Simon Weaver is on his way
We will have the jubilant Harrogate manager with us imminently.
Neal Ardley after the game: The Best Team Won
I'm so proud of them (the players)...they all know we didn't turn up in the first half... threw it out the window in the first...
I told them we will come back stronger ... to make sure we don't feel this pain next season.
I'm gutted for the fans, they haven't had the best... gutted we couldn't put in a performance for them.
On the day, the best team won.
We need to keep that bond.
Trophy lift
Harrogate finally get their hands on the Vanarama National League Play Off trophy as they sing "We are going up!"
What's to come?
We shall have the post-match conferences soon LIVE here from Wembley Stadium on VAVEL UK
Sweet Caroline!
Sweet Caroline blazes out at an empty Wembley Stadium but right now, Harrogate Town do not care!
They are in dreamland after turning professional only 3 years ago!
Yorkshire's year
What a year for Yorkshire.
Leeds United promoted to the Premier League
and neighbours, Harrogate Town promoted to the Football League.
History is made!
Harrogate Town are promoted to the English Football League for the first time in their history!
3-1 winners and deservedly find themselves in League TWO next season.
IT'S ALL OVER!
James Bell blows the final whistle and HARROGATE TOWN ARE PROMOTED.
Town deservedly win the Play-off Final 3-1 here at Wembley and the celebrations can finally begin!
Post!
Jon Stead is so close to putting the cherry on top as he hits the post from 8 yards.
Seconds remaining
Is that it?!
Mark Beck gets cluttered in midfield to win a free-kick and Harrogate begin to sense victory.
Huge cheers go up from the sidelines as time runs out for Notts County.
Added time
90 PLUS FIVE.
There will be 5 added minutes to normal time.
5 minutes for Notts County to keep their Football League dream alive.
5 minutes for Harrogate to hold on and make history.
Throwing the Kitchen sink
89'
One minute of added time and Notts County are throwing everyone forward but unable to hold on to the ball as Belshaw picks up loose ball after loose ball for Harrogate.
Rest-bite
88'
Time is not the friend of Notts County right now as Harrogate take their time and play long-ball football for the first time today.
Substitutions
One change for either side:
Harrogate - Beck on for Muldoon
Notts County - Kelly Evans on for Brindley
Time running out
84'
Only six minutes left of normal time for Notts County to find a way back into this game.
Harrogate slowing the game down and looking comfortable so far.
Close!
77' Notts County aren't out of this yet!
They come forward once more and Thomas forces a good save from Belshaw but should have done better.
Confidence
74' Harrogate are FULL of confidence!
George Thomson is loving his time under the Wembley Arch, trying his luck from 25 yards but finds the grateful arms of Slocombe.
Dreamland
72'
Harrogate are dreaming of the Football league for the first time in their history.
Diamond does brilliantly to turn the ball in from a Muldoon cross on the right.
In a mirror image of their first goal, Diamond gets across his man at the front-post to slide the ball in.
GOAL
70' Harrogate have their THIRD!
Town are in dreamland.
Drinks break
And that is the last action before the drinks break.
A strange but entertaining second half so far, with Notts County on top but Harrogate agonisingly close to scoring a third.
End-to-end.
So close!
65' Harrogate are so close to extending their lead as Thomson and Muldoon go agonisingly close to scoring in a six-yard scramble.
There looks to be a hand-ball by Notts County in the mix-up but Referee does not see it.
Anyone's game
With less than 30 minutes to go, what looked to be nailed on as a Harrogate Town victory at half-time is now in doubt.
Ardley has rallied his troops and Notts County have been the better side this half.
Substitution
61' gone
And the first glimpse of former Magpie, Jon Stead as he is brought on for Aaron Martin up-front.
Heating up
58'
Things are heating up at Wembley as Hall goes into the Referee's book for a nasty foul on Thomas.
Wes Thomas loses his cool for a minute as the two square off... Hall is about 2 foot taller than Thomas so the latter quickly backs down
County on Top!
57' Notts County close to equalising again.
This time, substitute Boldewijn goes close from 20 yards as a revitalised Notts County knock at the door.
Close!
55' gone and Notts County are SO CLOSE to equalising.
Penetrating run from Roberts creates space from a strike from 20 yards.
His effort is inches wide of the left hand post!
All Guns Blazing
Notts County have come out firing in the second half as they dominate possession.
Harrogate's turn to look flustered and weather the storm!
Within a minute
46' After winning an innocuous free-kick on the edge of the Harrogate box within 30 seconds of the restart, Roberts expertly found the bottom right corner to bring Notts County right back into the game.
GOAL
46' And in the blink of an eye, Notts County are back in it!
Roberts delightfully curls in a free-kick from 20 yards to bring County back within one goal.
Sides back out
Both sides are back out for the restart and Notts County make two changes.
O'Brient and Dennis are replaced by Thomas and Blodewijn in a more attacking look.
Half-time Thoughts
Notts County have managed only one chance on goal and can count themselves lucky to only be 2-0 down.
George Thomson has been brilliant for Harrogate, with a goal and assist.
Diamond and Muldoon will be wondering how they haven't scored yet but the whole side can be happy with that first-half performance.
Half-Time
And there's the end of the first half.
Harrogate were on the attack again but Referee, James Bell brings the half to a close, to the relief of Notts County.
Harrogate Town have been dominant this half and Notts County look deflated.
Close!
In added time Harrogate go close AGAIN!
Brilliant defending by Brindley for Notts County to flick over a threatening Thomson free-kick on the right edge of the box.
Harrogate full of confidence.
Added Time
There will be 3 minutes added time to the first half.
Harrogate Town have been superb this half.
Nearing Half-time
43'
You would not want to be in the Notts County changing room at half-time.
Ardley is red with rage as Martin evades the County defence and really should have made it 3-0 to Harrogate.
Post!
40' Harrogate hit the post!
Martin has his head in his hands as strikes the post from 3 yards after latching on to Burrell's flick on in the box.
Devoid of ideas
40' gone and Notts County unable to break down the Harrogate defence.
Town, on the other hand, attacking at will and coming up against minimal Notts County opposition.
Notts County midfield missing
35' gone and Neal Ardley doesn't know what to do.
His midfield have gone missing and Harrogate are finding themselves deep into their opponent's half with ease.
Notts County are forming a six-man defensive line without the ball with is leaving large spaces for Harrogate.
Notts County Struggling
34' gone
Notts County are struggling to maintain any pressure on the Town goal and Harrogate are finding it far to easy to evade the County midfield.
Should be 3-0
30' Harrogate are through again!
This time Jack Diamond is unable to convert a one-on-one chance as Falkingham plays a delightful through ball.
Too Easy
29'
Hall converts Thomson's free-kick at the back post and Notts County are in shock.
Too easy from the set-piece for an unmarked lunging Connor Hall.
GOAL
28' Harrogate are in Dreamland as Hall scores for the Town. 2-0.
Yellow Card
27' gone and first yellow card of the day for Bagan after fouling Fallowfield on the edge of the box
We are off again!
25' Drinks break is over and Harrogate restart the game, falling quickly into a familiar pattern of attacking the Notts County goal.
Drinks break
Midway through the half and we have the mandatory water break after a frantic first 24 minutes.
Harrogate Town deservedly leading and should be further ahead after the Lions' share of possession and chances.
Composure
23' Harrogate Town have found their composure again and passing the ball confidently around midfield.
There is no fear and no absence of confidence in this Yorkshire side under the Arch of Wembley.
They have been the better side so far.
Developing battle
21' gone
Richard Brindley seeing more action now as Notts County favour the right wing but unable to get passed his left-back counterpart in an intriguing battle.
Evening up
19' gone and after early domination by Harrogate Town, the game is evening up as Notts County grow into the game.
First Chance for County
15' gone and Notts County have their first sight on goal as Michael Doyle latches on to a cross but Fallowfield does well to deflect the ball wide for a corner.
Close AGAIN
12' gone and Harrogate Town go close to extending their lead again as Muldoon gets on the end of a free-kick to lift the ball just over from 8 yards.
Notts County asleep.
Sidelines
Neal Ardley is striking a furious pose on the sidelines as he watches his side implode early on at Wembley.
Seems dismayed by what he is seeing as he stands on the edge of his technical box.
Dominance
Just under 10 minutes gone and Harrogate Town really should be 2-0 up.
Martin will have his head in his hands after missing that but Town continue to look the stronger.
Notts County struggling to retain possession.
Close
8' gone and Harrogate Town nearly extend their lead but Aaron Martin is unable to find the bottom corner as he sees his effort drift wide from the edge of the box.
Sidelines
6' gone and Neal Ardley is furious on the Notts County sidelines as he watches his side go behind.
Fallowfield managed to cross far too easily into the front post where Thomson got ahead of the Notts County defender.
GOAL
5' gone and Harrogate are first to get on the scoresheet.
Brilliant run across the front post from George Thomson gets across the defender and flicks the ball passed Slocombe in the Notts County goal.
Strong start
4' gone and Harrogate Town continue to pile the pressure on Notts County.
AND GOAL!
Inches wide
2' in and Harrogate have the first early chance as Aaron Martin charges down a Ben Turner clearance and the ball nearly deflects into the goal.
Great start from Harrogate Town.
Kick-Off
As the clock strikes 15:00, Referee James Bell blows his whistle and we are away!
Harrogate shooting from left to right as the players take a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Seconds Away
The National Anthem is over, the sides are lining up for kick-off and we are LIVE from Wembley for the Vanarama National League final.
Here come the sides
Harrogate Town and Notts County are walking out on to the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium as the National Anthem blazes out.
Neal Ardley on today's Final
The Magpie's manager has this to say before kick-off:
After we beat Barnet in the semi-final there were no celebrations, just a quiet determination. The job is only half done and we are going to play against a very strong team in the final. We've given ourselves an opportunity. But whatever way it goes, I will be be proud of them and proud of what they have achieved.
Harrogate Manager, Simon Weaver
The longest-serving managed in professional football on the challenge ahead today,
The players are not the type to get all starry-eyed but most of them haven't played there before. I haven't been to Wembley since I went to see Sheffield Wednesday back in 1993!
This promotion final is reward for everyone at the club but we are in no way treating this as a day out.
Warm-ups are over
With around 15 minutes until kick-off, both sides are heading in to the changing rooms for their final preparations.
Even in the sparse surroundings, tension is building here at the home of football and we are in for a cracking game to decide the final place in the English Football League next season.
Vanarama National League Chairman
Brian Barwick has provided a few comments ahead of the showpiece finale of the National League Play-off Final:
It's been another great year of coverage from BT Sport. To have our competition sit amongst action from the Champions league and Premier League is a delight...
May I close by wishing both clubs and their supporters the very best of luck. It's been a gruelling and challenging season, with a hugely competitive play-off format at the end of it.
Wembley Stadium is a truly fitting stage to conclude the Vanarama National League campaign.
What to expect?
Context and history aside, this should be a fast, furious and even game under the Arch of Wembley Stadium.
Notts County will have the experience in their ranks but on paper Harrogate Town look the stronger, finishing higher in the league and the regular season stronger.
However the Magpies will be no pushovers and defeated eventual Champions Barrow just before the break.
Warm-ups
Both sides are out with just over 30 minutes until kick-off.
Notts County are in their all green kit whilst Harrogate in their home yellow and black.
Notts County are currently practicing short passes in limite space whilst Harrogate drill diagonals.
Reminder
There will be NO extra-time if the scores are level after 90 minutes.
It will go straight to penalties to decide the final place in the English Football League next season.
Line-ups
Notts County will line-up in all Green today as expected:
Slocombe; Turner, Lacey, Brindley, Bagan, O'Brien, Doyle, Rose, Dennis, Wootton, Roberts
Harrogate will line-up in their familiar Yellow and Black:
Belshaw; Fallowfield, Burrell, Falkingham, Smith, Hall, Thomson, Kerry, Martin, Muldoon, Diamond
Team News In!
There are NO changes to either side after their respective wins last week.
That means Notts County retain Kristian Dennie upfront with West Thomas remaining on the bench.
Harrogate have also opted for the same side that beat Boreham Wood. Jon Stead therefore remains on the bench as Jack Muldoon is preferred in attack.
History Will Be Made
In the absence of fans, we at VAVEL UK shall do our best to keep you entertained and abreast of the action as Harrogate Town bid for their first promotion to the English Football League against a Notts County side with established pedigree and almost 5000 Football League fixtures in their history.
Strange Surroundings
Whilst VAVEL UK will have LIVE coverage from Wembley Stadium for you, it cannot hide the unique circumstances of this National League play-off final.
The transport systems are empty, Wembley Way is sparsely populated by tourists and the stands are dawned by spatterings of flags and media.
The saying goes that 'Football is nothing without fans' and that feels particularly pertinent today as the coliseum of Wembley Stadium will be filled not by the songs and chants of faithful fans, but the echoing whistle of the Referee.
Setting
With 75 minutes to go until kick-off, the sun is shining on a beautiful day in North-West London.
Sadly, the setting cannot be shared with the hordes of fans that will be following the game at homes and pubs across the country.
Fortunately, you can stay turned for live coverage of the Play-Off final from Wembley Stadium here, as Notts County play Harrogate Town for a place in the English Football League.
Game day!
It's matchday with just over five hours to go until kickoff at Wembley Stadium.
Stay tuned
Do not miss a detail of the match with the live updates and commentaries of VAVEL. Follow along with us all the details, commentaries, analysis and lineups for Notts County vs Harrogate.
How to Follow Along
If you want to watch the game on TV, it is live on BT Sport
If you want to follow step-by-step coverage on the internet, VAVEL UK is your best option!
Neal Ardley on what the Play-off Final means:
Following significant financial problems where players weren't paid, a transfer embargo and relegation from the Football League, rebuilding Notts County has not been easy for the manager,
“As a manager that’s your first job - be a leader of men, not a football coach
“Even with office staff, we’ve managed to keep spirits going during those tough times.
“I suppose you could write a book about what this club has been through over the last couple of years.
“Sometimes the downsides and all the negatives we’re talking about can make the upside that much greater.
“Now we are going to Wembley on Sunday after a pretty horrific 18 months and maybe that makes us appreciate where we are a bit more.”
Jon Stead on the clash against his former side:
"I wish Notts County and their fans all the luck in the world, but not on Sunday... It's a strange one. Football throws up these little scenarios. Me playing against an old club is not something that unusual, I've been at that many! But Notts County, I spent four years down there, it was my last club."
Possible Line-ups
Harrogate Town possible starting lineup:
Belshaw; Fallowfield, Burrell, Falkingham, Smith, Hall, Thomson, Kerry, Martin, Muldoon, Diamond
Notts County possible starting lineup:
Slocombe; Turner, Lacey, Brindley, Bagan, O'Brien, Doyle, Rose, Dennis, Wootton, Roberts
Harrogate Town Team News
Harrogate manager, Simon Weaver has a selection dilemma regarding recent addition Aaron Martin and veteran Jon Stead.
While Martin impressed on his debut in the semi-finals, Stead finds himself in contention due to his big-game experience.
Barring any late fitness issues, the rest of the starting lineup is expected to remain the same, with Jack Muldoon starting.
Notts County Team News
Notts County manager Neal Ardley is unlikely to change the team that got the better of Barnet last week.
That will leave Wes Thomas and Enzio Boldewijn on the bench, with Kristian Dennis starting.
Notts County Strengths
Joint second top scorers in the league, alongside Harrogate, Notts County can boast three players with tallies over ten goals for the season.
Kyle Wootten (18), Kristian Dennis (16) and Wes Thomas (10) provide the attacking threat for the Pies as they look to avenge last season's relegation from the Football League.
Harrogate Town Strengths
Jack Muldoon is their top scorer with 13 goals, plus the winner against Boreham Wood in the play-off semi-final. Goals have been fairly evenly spread throughout the team, with former Pie, Jon Stead scoring seven for Harrogate Town this season.
Form
In the Play-off Semi-Finals, a goal in each half helped Notts County beat Barnet 2-0 while Harrogate Town were 1-0 winners over Boreham Wood.
In the league, Harrogate and Notts County finished second and third, respectively. Trailing champions, Barrow by four points.
Harrogate were unbeaten in their final seven games of the regular season, whilst Notts County have won their last six games.
Head to Head
Following the postponement of their FA Trophy semi-final and cancellation of their return league fixture in April of this year, Harrogate Town and Notts county can boast only one bout in their histories before the Play-off Final.
A year ago, at the start of the season, Notts County won 2-0 away at Harrogate Town, following goals in each half from Kristian Dennis and Enzio Boldewijn.
Schedule
Notts County vs Harrogate Town will be played at Wembley Stadium, London, England. The kick-off time is scheduled for 15:00 BST on Sunday, August 2nd.
Hello and welcome
Welcome to VAVEL UK’s LIVE coverage of the Vanarama National League Play-Off Final between Notts County and Harrogate Town! My name is Oscar O'Mara and I’ll be your host for this game. We will provide you with pre-game analysis, roster updates, and news as it happens live here on VAVEL.com as Notts County look to avenge last season's relegation from the English Football League - the first time in their 157-year history. In their way are relative new boys, Harrogate Town, who will become the youngest club in the English Football League structure with victory over Notts County. It is the second consecutive year Harrogate Town have made the National League play-offs, but this is their first visit to Wembley.