THE LAST FOUR

Reaction from the draw of the FA Trophy semi-finals

NEAL ARDLEY’S delight at Notts County’s home FA Trophy semi final draw against opposition two rungs below them in the pyramid is tempered by recent experiences. The Magpies manager realises Notts will be strong favourites to go one better than last season’s semi-final exit against Harrogate Town when they welcome Isthmian Premier Hornchurch to Meadow Lane on March 27. “It’s good to have another home draw but we will certainly be respecting Hornchurch,” Ardley said. “We had very difficult matches at Havant and Waterlooville and at home to Oxford City last Saturday – both from a rung below us.” County recovered from a goal down against National League South clubs. They were taken to a penalty shootout at Havant after a 2-2 draw and trailed Oxford City at Meadow Lane before Elisha Sam’s wonder goal helped them ease through 3-1. “We’ve not had it easy at any stage with away games at Morpeth, then again at Stockport,” he added. The two sides will have very different pathways to the last four with Notts being involved in what Ardley describes as a ‘brutal schedule’ as they seek to regain their Football League status. Hornchurch, meanwhile, have their focus solely set on one game with their league season curtailed. “It’s far too far ahead for us to think about just yet,” Ardley went on. “But I will continue to tell the lads to come into work with a smile on their faces and enjoy the experience.” Notts have utilised their comparatively large squad in the Trophy this year, making eight changes for the Oxford tie. And the rotation policy was highlighted in midweek when two-goal Sam – whose sensational back-flick volley has become an internet hit – was on the bench for Tuesday’s 2-2 home draw with King’s Lynn. Ardley did confirm star winger Callum Roberts, largely sidelined for more than three months, will have to decide when he is ready to rejoin the first-team squad. Roberts was pencilled in against Oxford but reported soreness after appearing as a late substitute at Stockport. “It’s up to Callum to put in the hard yards and tell us when he is right,” Ardley said.