Notts County delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over David Beckham's Salford City at Wembley, clinching the League Two playoff final and securing a return to League One spot after an 11‑year exile. Goals came from Alassana Jatta, Lucas Ness and a late strike by Jodi Jones, capping a dominant first‑half display. Temperatures neared 37°C, and Beckham watched from the stands, visibly displeased.

County, a founding Football League member from 1862, out‑muscled a Salford side that left non‑league status seven years ago. Possession favored the Magpies, whose goalkeeper James Belshaw kept a clean sheet while the defense nullified Salford’s attempts, including a blocked shot from Kallum Cesay early in the second period. Rod McDonald headed in Ness’s free‑kick, while Haji Mnoga received a half‑time booking for a reckless challenge.

The win leaves Salford, co‑owned by Beckham, Gary Neville and former teammate Nicky Butt, stranded in the fourth tier for at least another season, while County’s promotion restores a historic club to the second tier. Notts County’s triumph reshapes the promotion picture and gives their 20,000‑strong fanbase a night to remember. The scene unfolded in a season‑defining night for the Magpies.