Notts County's hopes of automatic promotion took a significant blow as they lost 1-2 to Barnet at Meadow Lane. Kabongo Tshimanga's brace sealed the win for the visitors, with Jodi Jones scoring a penalty for the hosts. The defeat leaves Notts County two points behind third-placed Cambridge. The early stages of the game were marked by numerous chances, with Callum Stead and Ryan Glover going close for Barnet, while Tom Iorpenda and Matt Palmer responded for Notts County. A moment of brilliance from Glover created Barnet's 32nd-minute opener, with Tshimanga firing home the midfielder's clever flick. However, two minutes later, Glover's foul on Lee Ndlovu saw County presented with a penalty, which Jones converted to equalise. Tshimanga struck a post soon after the interval, but he was not to be denied in the 70th minute, sweeping a clinical finish past James Belshaw. The win moves Barnet three points off the play-off places, while Notts County's defeat seals Bromley's promotion to League One for the first time in their history. With both teams aware of the game's significance, the intensity was palpable throughout. The visitors' victory was a result of their determination, as they capitalized on Notts County's mistakes. As the season enters its final stages, Notts County must regroup and focus on their remaining fixtures to keep their promotion hopes alive. The Magpies' next game will be crucial in determining their fate, and they must ensure they bounce back from this setback. And with the play-offs still a possibility, Notts County's players will be looking to make amends and secure a spot in the top seven.