Notts County welcome newly-promoted Altrincham to Meadow Lane in the National League tomorrow night.
The Magpies are still searching for their first points of the season after opening-day defeat to Dover Athletic.
The south coast side denied County a point when Harry Ransom powered home a header from a corner in the 89th minute. Notts boss Neal Ardley said: “We were gutted to lose the game because we didn’t feel like we deserved to come away with nothing.”
Notts couldn’t get their usual attacking game going, with both pitch conditions and the weather favouring a more gritty and physical style. “We just found it hard on a tough pitch to get going – you can’t always be free-flowing, and score loads of goals,” said Ardley.
With the club in turmoil, they started poorly last season, but avoiding a repeat will be key if they are to achieve promotion back to the Football League at the second attempt. Ardley said: “It’s important to get points on the board early, we really don’t want to be playing catch up.”
Altrincham won the National League North play-offs last season. They are a club on the rise and the opportunity to play at Meadow Lane will be a special one. Ardley said: “Teams come to Meadow Lane and raise their game – everyone wants to beat us because of who we are as a club and we have to rise to that.”
Altrincham drew with Weymouth, also newly promoted, on the opening day. The game was a dire 0-0 draw with the adverse weather conditions providing the only thing of note. Despite this Ardley was keen to praise Altrincham. “They are very good in transition and move through the thirds really well.”
After a long trip to Dover, it will be nice for County to be back on their own turf tomorrow night. “Last season this place was a fortress for us, and we need to make sure it is again. It will be difficult getting used to playing here without the usual vibrant atmosphere,” said Ardley.
All National League games for the time being are going to be played behind-closed-doors. While the Notts boss understands why he isn’t a fan. He said: “I hate it, it’s horrendous. On Saturday our subs had to be up in the stands and that was over the side of the pitch which led to difficulties when you wanted to bring someone on.”
The game will be broadcast live on BT Sport 1 from 7:30 (Kick off: 7:45)
By Alex Brinton