Summary

  • Marc McNulty levels for Coventry with late penalty

  • Jonathan Forte's neat flick had put Notts County ahead

  • Second leg at Meadow Lane on Friday

Live Reporting

Owen Phillips

  1. More play-off joy for Nolan?

    Coventry v Notts County (19:30 BST)

    He did it as a player with Bolton in 2001...

    Bolton celebrate promotion in 2001Getty Images

    ... and as a captain with West Ham in 2012...

    West Ham celebrate promotion in 2012Getty Images

    Now Kevin Nolan is hoping to be promoted via the play-offs as manager of Notts County.

    His side started the season superbly but results dipped at the turn of the year, so the Magpies had to make do with fifth position in the table.

    This is Notts' third consecutive season in League Two - they're hoping to avoid a fourth.

  2. Line-ups

    Coventry v Notts County (19:30 BST)

    Let's take a peek at the team news...

    Coventry manager Mark Robins brings in French striker Max Biamou.

    As expected, Notts County duo Liam Noble and Richard Duffy both return to the starting line-up after being rested for the draw with Luton last time out.

    Coventry: Burge, Grimmer, Hyam, Davies, Stokes, Bayliss, Doyle, Kelly, Shipley, McNulty, Biamou.

    Notts County: Collin, Tootle, Hewitt, Virtue, Grant, Duffy, Forte, Brisley, Noble, Jones, Stead.

  3. Coventry end unwanted run

    Coventry v Notts County (19:30 BST)

    As well as guaranteeing a League Two play-off position, last Saturday's 0-0 draw with Morecambe ended Coventry's long wait for a top-six finish in any division.

    They last time they did so? 1969-70!

    The Sky Blues' demise in recent seasons has been well documented - this is the first time in almost 60 years that they've been as low in the fourth tier in the English pyramid.

    Will Coventry's climb back up the leagues start this month?

  4. Coventry v Notts County (19:30 BST)

    Ged Scott
    BBC Sport at the Ricoh Arena

    Jimmy Hill statueGed Scott

    The statue of former Coventry manager Jimmy Hill stands proudly outside the Ricoh Arena.

    It's almost like the great man was praying for rain as those grim clouds behind have actually burst and steady precipitation is now falling.

    Notts County fans outside only just avoided the downpour. Gates opened slightly later than anticipated and it brought an apology over the public address system.

  5. Act IV

    Coventry v Notts County (19:30 BST)

    If you've been with BBC Sport throughout today's EFL play-off marathon, fair play to you.

    There's only one of our four matches left to go before you can put your feet up and enjoy a well-earned cup of cocoa.

    Plenty of people tipped Coventry City and Notts County to be in the mix for promotion from League Two this season, and although both missed out on a top-three finish, there's still the chance of glory via the play-offs.

    Kick-off in the first leg of their semi-final tie is at 19:30 BST.