LEAGUE TITLE IS STILL NOT BEYOND MAGPIES: ARDLEY
MANAGER AIMING TO CATCH GULLS AT TOP
NOTTS County boss Neal Ardley has refused to give up on the National League title and says nobody at Meadow Lane is writing off their chances of becoming champions.
The Magpies are sixth in the table, 13 points behind the Torquay United, who have set a tremendous pace since the season began.
But Notts do have four games in hand on the Gulls, which, if they were to win, would put them a point behind Gary Johnson’s side in the race to return to the Football League.
And Ardley, who picked up the manager of the month award for January, says nobody at the Magpies is surrendering the title just yet.
“With no disrespect to Torquay because I think they’re an excellent team, and they’ve got probably the most decorated manager in the league, we’re not even halfway through the season yet,” he said.
“We’re a long way from it. We’ve only just got to a third of the way through the season.
“The first half of the season isn’t complete and some are already handing the title over.
“I don’t think that’s the case. And if Torquay can continue with their points per game ratio they’re on now then it’s going to be very difficult to catch them.
“But with the amount of disruption that’s gone on, we’re certainly not writing anything off in terms of trying to finish top of the league because that’s got to be our aim. And if we don’t get there, and we end up in the play-offs, then great.”
Notts will be aiming to put more pressure on the sides above them in the table at Meadow Lane tonight when they tackle Dagenham & Redbridge (6pm kick-off).
The Magpies go into the clash on the back of reaching the FA Trophy quarter-finals with victory over Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday.
They boast the best defensive record in the National League, having conceded only 13 goals in 17 games this season, a key reason as to why they are in the top seven.
But Ardley is now looking to match that ruthlessness at the back that with more cutting edge in the final third, which could lead to striker Jimmy Knowles being given a start alongside Kyle Wootton tonight.
The on-loan Mansfield Town striker did his chances no harm with a goal against Havant at the weekend from the penalty spot and he also created Matty Wolfe’s opener.
Ardley said: “I do loads of extra work with him after training.
“We’re working on his heading, his left foot and loads of different types of finishes.
“I’m trying to show him that he can’t just be a striker that plays up in a two all the time because a lot of teams play with one and a lot of teams play with a front three.
“He’s got to learn to adapt and be able to get in a team in many different positions. He’s a great and willing lad.
“Like I say, sometimes his energy and the tempo of his play gets him into good areas.
“I’m really pleased with his progression.
“I want to develop the lad not only for our first team but for his future because he’s a willing learner.
“Watch this space because we are going to use him for sure.
“I just want to make sure it’s the right time for him as well as the first team.”
■ NOTTS County have been drawn at home to Oxford City in the Buildbase FA Trophy quarter-finals.
The match will be played on the weekend of February 27-28 and, as a result, the Magpies’ National League trip to Maidenhead on that date will be rearranged.