For the sixth time in seven seasons, Notts County are back where they thrive—the play-offs. And if there's one thing this squad has, it's experience under pressure. Forward Jodi Jones knows the drill: "There is always football drama, and we have been involved in a lot recently."

This Sunday, the Magpies kick off their League Two play-off semi-final against Chesterfield in the first leg (18:00 BST), reigniting a rivalry that has become a recurring subplot in Notts County's recent history. The two sides have met in high-stakes play-off ties three times in six years, most memorably in the 2023 National League promotion final at Wembley, where Notts twice came from behind to win on penalties.

Jones, one of the few remaining players from that promotion-winning squad, says the Magpies are fueled by "belief and excitement" thanks to a roster packed with footballers who have been through the play-off grind before. And he should know—he provided one of the most iconic moments in recent club history, scoring a last-minute extra-time winner against Boreham Wood in 2023 to send Notts to that famous Wembley showdown.

But Chesterfield, promoted to League Two a year after Notts, have had the upper hand since then. They've won all four meetings between the sides this season, finishing just one point and one spot below the fifth-placed Magpies in the table. That includes victories both home and away, setting the stage for a tense two-legged tie that will conclude at Meadow Lane five days after Sunday's opener.

"Since I've been here, we've had some good games with Chezzy, and it does come across like a rivalry and derby," Jones told BBC East Midlands Today. "We know they are a good team, and we also know what we are capable of."

For Notts County, the play-offs are familiar territory—almost a second home. And with a squad that knows how to handle the drama, they're ready for another chapter in this growing rivalry. Whether it's redemption or heartbreak, one thing is certain: the Magpies have the knowhow to make it a show.