Notts County suffered their first defeat of pre-season as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Alfreton at the Impact Arena.
Nyle Campbell’s first-half goal separated the two sides with the Magpies fielding only three senior players.
Among them were Jim O’Brien and Kane Hemmings, while defender Matt Tootle played but was forced off through injury.
Campbell’s goal was a clinical finish in a game that saw little in the way of clear-cut chances with the better openings coming from the hosts.
Tootle had tested the palms of Jack Atkinson in the first half with Danny Clarke going close almost immediately.
But Campbell struck before the break and that lead could have been doubled after half-time had it not been for a wonderful block from Tom Crawford.
Notts plugged away in the search of an equaliser, but despite their attempts could not find their way through a stubborn Alfreton defence.
Ardley is now expected to field a much stronger team for the trip to York City tomorrow with the likes fo Enzio Boldewijn, Michael Doyle and trialist Nathan Tyson all set to be involved.
That game kicks off at 12.30pm and will be the last friendly of the summer ahead of the season opener at Eastleigh next Saturday.
