Play-off heartbreak for ex-Portsmouth and Coventry skipper as Harrogate defeat Notts County to reach League Two

Former Pompey skipper Michael Doyle has missed out on a third promotion of his career.
Michael Doyle missed out on promotion with Notts County in the play-off final. Picture: Pete Norton/Getty ImagesMichael Doyle missed out on promotion with Notts County in the play-off final. Picture: Pete Norton/Getty Images
Michael Doyle missed out on promotion with Notts County in the play-off final. Picture: Pete Norton/Getty Images

The midfielder was part of the Notts County side that suffered National League play-off defeat at Wembley today.

The Magpies suffered a 3-1 defeat to Harrogate Town, who have made it to the Football League for the first time in the club's history.

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The Railwaymen – who Pompey beat in the FA Cup first round at Wetherby Road in November – were quick out the blocks and led after just four minutes through George Thomson.

Simon Weaver's side continued to pile on the pressure and got their reward when Connor Hall doubled their advantage in the 27th minute.

County made a superb response in the second period, with Callum Roberts curling home a free-kick a minute after the restart.

But Jack Diamond sealed Harrogate's promotion with his strike in the 70th minute.

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It means that Notts County - and Doyle - will linger in non-league for another season.

The Irishman was aiming for a third promotion in four seasons.

He captained Pompey to League Two glory in 2017 and then led Coventry back to the third tier via the play-offs a year later.

Richard Brindley, who spend the summer on trial at Fratton Park when without a club, also featured for the Magpies.

For Harrogate, they will compete in League Two for the first time.

Blues stopper Craig MacGillivray came through the ranks at the Yorkshire outfit before moving to Walsall in 2015.