WALSALL, England (Interstat) — Substitute Jodi Jones scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Notts County opened its League Two season with a 2-1 comeback victory over Walsall on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium.

The match, which defied pregame projections favoring the home side, was decided in the fourth minute of added time when Jones finished from close range to complete the visitors’ rally. Jones, who entered the match as a second-half substitute, also assisted on the equalizing goal, marking a decisive individual performance.

Walsall controlled the early proceedings and was rewarded on the stroke of halftime. In the 45th minute, midfielder Aaron Pressley found the net to give the Saddlers a 1-0 lead, an advantage that held deep into the second half and aligned with statistical expectations. Data firm Interstat had given Walsall a 56.7 percent probability to win and projected a 1-1 draw.

Notts County’s persistence paid off in the 79th minute. Another substitute, Oliver Norburn, leveled the score at 1-1, setting the stage for the late drama. The assist on Norburn’s goal was credited to Conor Grant.

The contest was a physical and often fractious affair, with the referee issuing seven yellow cards. Walsall’s Jamie Jellis and Brandon Comley were booked in the first half, while five second-half cautions were distributed, including one to Jones and one to Walsall’ Harrison Burke in the frantic final moments.

With the result, Notts County begins its League Two campaign with a perfect record of one win and no losses, while Walsall starts with one loss and no wins. The records are identical across all competitions for both clubs.

The victory provides an immediate boost for Notts County, overcoming both a deficit and the weight of pregame analytics. For Walsall, it marks a frustrating start to the season, letting a lead and potential points slip away in the dying moments of the match.