In just two days time, Notts County will take to the field to face Barnet in what will be the Magpies first competitive game of football since March 14^th (over 130 days ago) when they soundly beat Eastleigh at Meadow Lane to go third in the National League.

On that day, I’ll remind you because it seemed so long ago, Kyle Wootton scored a brace, Krystian Dennis got on the scoresheet and Cal Roberts netted in a stunning performance that suggested Notts meant business in the promotion race.

Since then, we all know what has happened and there’s been little anyone could have done about it. The National League was close to calling their shop shut so in a way, taking a playoff slot and facing Barnet in Saturday’s single leg semi-final at home is a much welcome free pass at trying to get back in the football league at the first attempt.

Should Notts win, it will mean a chance to play in the final at Wembley, all be it without fans, but more importantly in a match that against either Harrogate or Boreham Wood would be a straight fight to win football league status.

Should Notts lose, well it might seem like the end of the world. But Neal Ardley has built a strong team and the Magpies will be no doubt well equipped to challenge again next season, that said there’s certainly no reason Notts fans, players and staff cannot be optimistic in trying to go out and beat Barnet, a side that finished eleventh in the National League table before fixturised promotion to eighth and a last playoff slot on a points per game basis.

Neal Ardley’s men have been in strict covid-free training for the last few weeks and earlier this week have worked on fitness on Monday and Tuesday before a rest day on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday the team are going through the finer details including shape and set play with finishing touches to get the side equipped in beating Barnet. Saturday is all about rest and preparation before the 5pm kick off. No doubt anticipation and excitement will also kick in ahead of what will be a huge day for those involved.

Speaking of those involved, the unenviable task of Neal Ardley and his coaching staff is to try and pick a team that can win a game of football and reach a Wembley final… Without any serious form to go on (other than a couple of recent friendlies), Ardley must pick, trust, and hope that his selections pay off. And he certainly has some decisions to make.

In goal should be Magpies regular first choice Sam Slocombe but Joe McDonnell has impressed since signing from AFC Wimbledon in February and has been a huge favourite of Ardley in the past. McDonnell actually played the last six games for Notts after he was brought in as an emergency following Slocombe injuring himself in the FA Trophy against Yeovil. Not a clear decision for Ardley by any stretch but one that could perhaps tell the story to where his head lies on who’s best going forward too?

In defence things seem a little easier to predict. Tom Brindley will be right back with Rawlinson and Lacey predicted as centre halves. Ben Turner could push for a place at the back however, especially after his wonder-strike v Boston behind closed doors, he would usually be ahead in the pecking order but for a calf problem suffered in February which side-lined him for Lacey and Rawlinson to since conjure up a formidable partnership at the heart of the Notts defence. Two from the three mentioned will please any County fan, whilst at left back, Damien McCrory’s long term injury has meant that 18 year old Joel Bagan should play, he’s extended his loan from Cardiff and starred in the wins against Eastleigh and impressively at champions Barrow after signing for the club in February. Special mention to Dion Kelly-Evans who’s an outside option at full back with Zoumana Bakayogo no doubt involved in the squad too.

With Regan Booty another out injured, should Notts play a four across the middle as predicted the wide men will no doubt be Cal Roberts and Enzo Boldewijn who are key to winning games with their technical ability alone. The heartbeat of the side will most-likely be skippered in centre midfield by the experienced Michael Doyle whilst Mitch Rose will offer legs beside him but Jim O’Brien and Tom Crawford could be viable options either starting or from the bench.

Up front is a dilemma down probably to who Ardley thinks has trained best. No question Kyle Wootton will start having netted 13 times in the league in his first season at the club whilst Krystian Dennis may get the nod down to his form post lock down scoring four in his last five appearances. Wes Thomas is the obvious option to partner Wootton with ten goals himself this season whilst Scott Wilson may play a part from the bench.

Whoever Neal Ardley picks he knows he has one stab at this, as do his players, but should Notts play to their full potential they certainly have enough in the side to get the job done, despite it being a difficult test of fitness and fatigue following their huge lack of recent game time.

Whilst Barnet have the advantage having played 90 minutes verses Yeovil, Notts will have advantage with the quality in the team, it makes for an interesting game ahead, one that we will be rooting for by hook or by crook, a home win and a first trip to Wembley since 1995.

*Main image @Official_NCFC Enzo last time out verses Barnet hoping for a better result on Saturday.