Notts County were beaten 3-0 on Saturday by York City in the Magpies final friendly before the league campaign is due to start.
It was a mixture of emotions for Notts who faced the Minster Men at Meadow Lane in what should have been the first-time fans were allowed in the home sides stadium but for a Government change in approach early last week. Notts had on Tuesday been knocked out of the FA Trophy by Harrogate Town and lost Cal Roberts to injury all be it not as serious as first thought, the National League season start which is scheduled for this weekend has been doubt, things are a little bit all over the place for Notts right now.
With the above in mind it was little wonder why Notts failed to impress against York who gave Neal Ardley’s men a three goal thumping and perhaps a timely reminder that the Magpies aren’t quite at the races just yet.
Akil Wright and Jake Cassidy made it 2-0 before the break and Alex Wollerton furthered the away sides advantage in the second half with Manager Neal Ardley not very happy with his players performance post match.
Ardley said “It wasn’t good enough, we know that.” with the Notts boss relaying “physically, we need to be stronger. Transition wise, we need to be fitter and more dynamic in the way we recover. And certainly, up top and at the back, we need to work a lot harder to do the principles of our jobs.”
Notts will now focus their attentions on Dover Athletic and the start of the National League season this Saturday which will go ahead without fans in attendance.
Cal Roberts is likely to miss out but positive performances over pre-season from the likes of Ruben Rodrigues and Jake Reeves give Ardley some hope who’s dilemma might be whether or not to go with a diamond formation in midfield for the league opener.
Luke Pilling who has played well in pre-season may also give Ardley some food for thought in goal whilst the consensus is that Elisha Sam and Enzo Boldewijn need time to increase fitness levels from not playing a lot of football over the summer.
At least Notts have firepower in Kyle Wootton and Wes Thomas with on loan Mansfield striker Jimmy Knowles impressing since signing too.
The last bits and attention to detail will be key focus for Ardley and his coaching staff this week as Notts hope to get off to a winning start in Kent to kick-start their long delayed season with three points.
*Main image @Official_NCFC Notts were well beaten by York City at Meadow Lane.
