Notts County v Harrogate Town: Magpies have 'no point to prove' in FA Trophy semi-final, says Neal Ardley

Notts County boss Neal Ardley watches on at Wembley Stadium. Pictures: Getty ImagesNotts County boss Neal Ardley watches on at Wembley Stadium. Pictures: Getty Images
Notts County boss Neal Ardley watches on at Wembley Stadium. Pictures: Getty Images
Notts County manager Neal Ardley insists that his players have nothing to prove when they host Harrogate Town in the semi-final of the 2019/20 FA Trophy this evening.

The Magpies were thoroughly outplayed and beaten 3-1 by Simon Weaver's team in the National League play-off final last month, a result which denied the men from Meadow Lane an instant return to League Two following their demotion at the end of 2018/19.

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But, Ardley says that neither he nor his players will not head into tonight's contest with a mindset of wanting to avenge that painful loss, instead stating that the chance to secure another date at Wembley should be motivation enough.

"We have no point to prove. Whether the players do, I don’t know," Ardley told Nottinghamshire Live.

Harrogate Town beat Notts County 3-1 in the National League play-off final.Harrogate Town beat Notts County 3-1 in the National League play-off final.
Harrogate Town beat Notts County 3-1 in the National League play-off final.

“At Wembley, we froze. We had a game plan but never executed it.

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“Fear probably crept in and Harrogate executed their game plan superbly.

“They were the better team on the day. Full credit to them. They deserved the win.

“The play-offs are a one-game shootout, but this is another chance to get to Wembley.

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“I know we were there not long ago, but you should never put your nose up at the opportunity of going to Wembley.

“It’s one we will grab with both hands and do very the best we can."

Kick-off at Meadow Lane this evening is at 7.45pm.