Notts to target unbeaten start?

Notts County boss Steve Thompson has a lot to think about following the release of today's League Two fixtures.

The Magpies will be stepping into the unknown somewhat in the opening

Toner... early chance to prove he was right to snub Notts

month of the forthcoming campaign as they prepare to lock horns with three of the division's promotion hopefuls including League Two new boys Brentford.

The Notts chief knows there is no time for second guessing as he faces a tough season to put right after last seaons under achievement.

County may fancy their chances coming up against familiar faces and promotion rivals Grimsby Town and Darlington in the seasons opening weeks.

The black and whites will be looking to be quick out of the starting blocks as ever optimistic fans are expecting an unbeaten first month.

Notts are more than capable of winning their opening three games, but their opposition are not to be under-estimated.

Play-off finalists in 2006, Grimsby await County on the opening day. The Mariners will need no incentive as they lost out on all six points between the sides last term.

With Notts summer target Ciaran Toner snubbing the Magpies and instead pledging his allegiance to the Lincolnshire based club with a new deal, it promises to be a hostile match up at Blundell Park.

Grimsby have also added to their squad with ex-Boston man Jamie Clarke and former Rotherham keeper Gary Montgomery joining the ranks.

White... will be fired up to put one over Notts

After a disappointing start to last campaign which ultimately cost them a top half finish, the Mariners will be looking to put an early dent in Notts' promotion dream.

Next up for County, is League One relegated outfit Brentford. The Bees are in the middle of a mass clearout as they prepare for life in League Two.

Former Leyton Orient captain John Mackie has enrolled in an effort sure up their backline.

Last years relegated sides made up the top four of the table last time around and we expect this years to be equally strong. This seasons first game at Meadow Lane, will be far from plain sailing.

Thommo will have to have his Magpies briefed if they are to kick off the home season with maximum points.

County's third game is arguably the toughest of the lot in August with a trip to Darlington. The big spending Quakers are once again a good tip for the play-off's and will be looking to drop their tag as the division's nearly men.

Former Notts skipper Alan White will face his old club who he ironically scored for in the same fixture last year to claim County a priceless victory.

County's opening games promise to be a right mix bag and will no doubt act as a marker for the season ahead.

Thompson... A lot to ponder

New boys Brentford, a trip to play-off hopefuls Darlington and a dual with rivals Grimsby make for an interesting August fixture list for the Magpies.

It certainly won't be easy but one thing is for sure: The Magpies will be under huge pressure to kick start their campaign.

Notts fans will be looking to take seven points from a possible nine in these games that could potentially shape their season.

You are lucky to get second chances in football, and Thommo certainly is that, but this time around he has to get it right.

The hard work starts now as Notts prepare their squad for the opening games.

They could be tougher but Notts have no divine right to start strongly.