Notts County are back in league action for the first time since 28th December as the two tiers below the National League (North & South Divisions) today call a two-month suspension to the season’s proceedings.
The highest tier of non-league football has had a traumatic campaign with Notts playing just fourteen matches so far, still with 30 games remaining, bottom of the table Dover Athletic have played just twelve, as teams have seen endless last-minute cancellations due to covid, clubs forced miserably to play up and down the country without their main income from the fans, the season has been farcical for many to say the least.
But the decision is to keep carrying on regardless, until told otherwise and Notts at least can finally play a league match after 26 days without one.
The Magpies did get some much-needed practice in, beating Stockport County in the FA Trophy last weekend and will take on a Torquay United side, who have played three more games than seventh placed Notts, but hold a fifteen point advantage on their opponents at Meadow Lane tomorrow.
A test of how far this Notts side has come will at least gauge opinion as to whether Neal Ardley’s side can compete with the best, if the bridge is perhaps too wide to close as the race for the championship so far never really ignited for County, at least show us that it is a bridge that can be tackled when the flame is working with no excuses.
Notts County will be up for this one, no real pressure but that which is put on themselves, to go out and take on the divisions best, and to prove that they can beat them too.
Neal Ardley says of Torquay it will be a tough test, adding “They look like they’ve got a great team spirit and there seems to be a buzz about the place.”
“There’s no reason for you to believe they’re not the best team in the league. They’re clear on points and they’ve got probably the most experienced manager in the league with the best record.”
“I’m excited to put a team out which proves we can more than match them.”
“We don’t want to make it tactical – we’re at home. We believe we’re a good team – let’s have a go at them.”
Kick off at Meadow Lane is 3pm with the match streamed live via the Notts County website through their matchday pass.
*Main image @Official_NCFC Meadow Lane awaits the league leaders Torquay.