Notts County take on form side Chesterfield in the first round of the playoffs tomorrow afternoon as the BT Cameras come to Meadow Lane with the winning team set to travel to Torquay United in the semi-finals next week ahead of a June 6^th final at Ashton Gate.

The end goal is ‘football league status’ for one of six National League teams involved, the Magpies will be confident at home against a side from just 25 miles away and across the border in Derbyshire who they have met five times in the last two years since relegation, the Spirites winning the first and most recent non-league meeting with Notts the three matches in between, including an FA Trophy success last season and two league wins home and away.

Last time out it finished 1-0 to Chesterfield in NG2 thanks to a Gavin Gunning goal but a late 3-2 win earlier in the season at the Technique Stadium and a thumping 3-0 success at the Lane last February will offer a timely reminder that this is a side the Magpies can score goals against and beat.

Chesterfield managed by James Rowe had taken 13 points from a possible 15 to close the league in fine form and a sell-out covid cut crowd will be looking forward to a great game between two local teams both wanting to return to the 92.

Jake Reeves should be fit to play for Notts after a heel injury whilst Alex Lacey will be out. Cal Roberts is a long term absentee and is recovering from a recent successful operation.

For Chesterfield, Danny Rowe may be a doubt as could Tom Whelan after a recent stomach bug although both are expected to feature on the bench at least.

Ahead of the match, County Coach Ian Burchnall stated about tomorrows opponents “they have a lot of weapons with long throws and set pieces and they like to break rhythm of play, they have some quality in there with some good players”

“It’s a massive game, local derby, we are at home, we get our fans, I think it’s a good game for the tv, these are the games you want to be part of”.

Kick off is at 4pm on BT Sport with extra time and penalties needed on the day if it’s a tie at ninety minutes, with the other first round playoff match between Hartlepool and Bromley being played a day later ahead of the semi-finals in midweek.

*Main image @Official_NCFC Notts County finally had their 2020/21 team photo just this week.