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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Archie Mair reveals Sam Slocombe message ahead of Notts County penalty heroics

Archie Mair was told "this is your moment" by goalkeeper Sam Slocombe shortly before his penalty shootout heroics that sent Notts County back to the Football League.

The Magpies secured promotion from the National League after an enthralling encounter at Wembley, beating Chesterfield 4-3 on penalties having twice gone behind against Paul Cook's side.

But with two minutes to go of extra-time and the lottery of spot-kicks looming, manager Luke Williams made the huge call of replacing his regular number one with the Norwich City loanee.

READ MORE: From Gateshead to the EFL: Macaulay Langstaff and Cedwyn Scott open up on play-off glory

READ MORE: Gary Neville sends Notts County one-word message after Wembley heroics

Having saved a penalty on his first league start against Altrincham in March, the 22-year-old once again proved his capabilities in that high-pressure situation - denying Darren Oldaker's effort before producing a remarkable save to keep out Jeff King's penalty.

"It was unbelievable," Mair recalls on the two saves he made right in front of the travelling Notts supporters.

"We have been speaking this week and Tom Weal has been doing all the homework on penalties and he was telling us if we score one, or save one, make sure you celebrate it.

"I may have got a bit carried away, but when I got behind them I just went crazy and it was unbelievable to see the joy on everyone's faces."

It was a difficult afternoon for Slocombe, with obvious nerves of the occasion evident after conceding an indirect free-kick after taking two touches from a goal-kick, shortly after bringing down Andrew Dallas inside the area which resulted in the Spireites taking the lead.

One of only four players remaining from Notts' last visit to Wembley in 2020, Slocombe looked visibly disappointed with his performance, but in the end, was able to rectify the defeat against Harrogate Town three years ago - Mair emphasising the importance of the Notts number one for the entirety of the season.

"He has been so good, he has been unbelievable since I have come to the club - he is a top professional and someone that is great to learn from.

"When I was coming on, he said this is your moment, go and do it, so I knew he was behind me and he has been unbelievable for the team the whole season and deserves this more than anyone - so I am delighted for him as well."

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