Magpies’ frustration

NEAL Ardley admits the last month has left him and his Notts County players frustrated as they look forward to effectively restarting their season.

The Magpies have played only once in the last month due to coronavirus but they return to action away against FC Halifax Town tonight looking for what would be their fourth win from seven games.

“It’s been really difficult to manage. None of us have ever been through this before,” the Magpies manager said. “There’s underlying frustration. We know the way of the world at the moment but you get your season going and just want to play games.

“It’s weird having Saturdays off. It doesn’t feel right.

“That winning feeling is a lovely one. We’ve not experienced it for a while now.

“We looked good and felt good. We had five players out of a game and struggled then we had a loss where we didn’t hit the standards we expect.

“We’re heading towards December and a busy schedule and we’ve only played six games. It’s really weird.

“This feels a bit like a second start to the season for us.”

Notts are 12th and only have a maximum of two games in hand on their National League rivals. Halifax are 20th with one win and three draws from their six games.

Winger Callum Roberts is set to be in the squad but may not start after his recovery from coronavirus was followed by a calf problem.

Left-back Damien Mccrory is still out with bruising around his knee, while fellow left-back Adam Chicksen is away with the Zimbabwe national team.

Striker Wes Thomas is doubtful with an illness which is not Covid-19.