LV BET | Vanarama National League Play-Off Semi-Finals Preview

Ten goals in two cracking games treated the neutral tuning into BT Sport – but do spare a thought for those emotionally involved.

It’s been an exhilarating, all-action start to the 2020-21 play-offs and there’s surely more to come.

There’s two sensational matches on offer this weekend, so forget about the Euros – there’s a place in the EFL up for grabs!

It all starts again on Saturday as Torquay United welcome Notts County. These two have already produced a classic this year, and more of the same is on the menu.

Then, 24 hours later, Stockport County host Hartlepool United with the second spot in next Sunday’s Promotion Final at Ashton Gate the winners’ reward.

Both games really are too tight to call.

We’ve done our best to un-pick both semi-finals ahead of what will be another turbulent and electrifying couple of afternoons.

Here’s the low down on the two huge matches and LV BET’s hot takes ahead of the games.

Torquay United v Notts County

The Gulls couldn’t quite get over the line in terms of winning the title but Gary Johnson knows the play-offs are the next best thing.

But the question is, how much can you read into their limp end to the campaign?

County, meanwhile, stormed into the top seven after a memorable May - and June didn’t start too badly, either.

Last weekend’s helter-skelter 3-2 victory over bitter rivals Chesterfield installed belief that Notts can go all the way.

But to do that, they will have to undo one of the best home sides around.

Torquay are unbeaten in nine at Plainmoor, winning six of those and they know how to turn on the style despite not much luck in front of the cameras this term.

Torquay United
Form: D-D-D-D-W
Last time out: Altrincham (A) 0-0

Notts County
Form: W-L-W-W-D
Last time out: Chesterfield (H) 3-2

Previous meetings this season:
Torquay United 2-2 Notts County
Notts County 0-0 Torquay United

Stockport County v Hartlepool United

The mouthwatering match up could produce a classic - two sides sensational going forward, there’s so much to look forward to.

County are on a mammoth unbeaten run and manager Simon Rusk hopes there’s more to come.

Pools will take some stopping if they produce a repeat of the scintillating first 24 minutes when they pulled apart Bromley in Sunday’s Eliminator.

The hosts are also unbeaten in their last fourteen matches at Edgeley Park, winning four of their last five games home and away.

Pools have won just two from six on the road and manager Dave Challinor accepts nothing but their very best will be enough on Sunday.

The head-to-head is tight - Hartlepool have six wins, while Stockport have claimed five victories from the sixteen previous meetings.

Stockport County
Form: W-D-D-D-W
Last time out: Yeovil Town (A) 1-0

Hartlepool United
Form: W-W-L-W-L
Last time out: Bromley (H) 3-2

Previous meetings this season:
Stockport County 1-1 Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United 4-0 Stockport County