Notts County manager Neal Ardley gets FA Cup opposition he wanted but there's a catch

Neal Ardley was close to seeing his FA Cup wish granted after his Notts County side were drawn to face Northampton Town in the second round.

The Magpies boss had wanted Football League opposition but wanted to host them at Meadow Lane in a bid to get a true measure of his side’s progress this season.

But Notts must travel to the Cobblers as the draw was revealed on Monday night  and it will see them reunited with their old manager Keith Curle who is currently in charge at Sixfields.

Ardley's side will face Town, who are currently ninth in League Two,  on the weekend of November 30 with the club having to reschedule their National League clash against AFC Fylde as a result.

Northampton Town manager Keith Curle (Pete Norton/Getty Images)

Notts played Northampton twice last season as they were relegated from the Football League with both games ending in draws.

The Magpies scrapped to a goalless draw at Sixfields under previous manager Harry Kewell, before Ardley’s men then drew 2-2 at Meadow Lane back in April.

Notts’ Nottinghamshire rivals Mansfield Town, who were also in the hat,  will have to travel to Shrewsbury or Bradford City.