Notts County will become the first of our three professional clubs since March to play in front of paying fans as they take on Ilkeston Town this weekend in a 3pm Kick Off at the New Manor Ground.

The Magpies face a familiar Northern Premier League opponent in Ilkeston on Saturday who play three steps below the National League in a pre-season friendly match with the game kicking off at 3pm but only 600 supporters will be permitted into the venue on a first come first served basis.

Turnstiles open at 1pm and those taking a chance to arrive much later might well be turned away depending on numbers in attendance.

Fans not attending the match can still watch a free live stream of the game with details on the club’s website provided on the day.

The Magpies could well feature a strong side in what will be the first match for Neal Ardley and co since the National League playoff final defeat against Harrogate last month.

New signings Jake Reeves, Elisha Sam, Casper Sloth and Ruben Rodrigues could all feature for the first time in black and white.

The match against the Robins will be the first of a condensed pre-season before the start of the 2020/21 campaign after of which Notts will play Alfreton Town behind closed doors on the following Saturday (12^th September) before the long awaited match verses Harrogate Town in the semi-final of the FA Trophy which will now be played as a single leg match at Meadow Lane, again behind closed doors.

Newly promoted to the Football League Harrogate, who are in Carabao Cup action at the weekend before will face Notts should they win against Tranmere Rovers on Thursday 17^th September but if they lose their first ever league cup encounter, they will play County on Wednesday 16^th instead.

If level at full time (90mins) the match will be decided by penalties with the winner reaching Wembley to face either Halesowen Town or Concord Rangers on Sunday 27^th September.

After Harrogate and the FA Trophy semi-final, Notts will travel to Telford for another friendly match before starting their season proper with the fixture list for the new 2020/21 National League season announced at 1pm on Tuesday 8^th September.

*Main image @ilkestontown_fc the fabulous New Manor Ground has had some improvements this summer.