Notts County's Youth Team will be taking in their first pre-season friendly this evening against Ollerton Town.

Michael Johnson's U18s - back after a three-year absence - have been back in training since last Monday and the former County defender believes his side are now ready for the challenge of a match situation.

Said Johnson: "The lads have been doing really well in training and we're ready for it now.

"It isn't about the result for them at this stage and I'll make them well aware of that before kick-off.

"What I want to see is them doing is developing and progressing as footballers, and taking into the games what we have worked on in training over the past few weeks.

"I'm really excited and I cannot wait for my first game on the sidelines as Youth Team Manager!"

Kick-off is at 7:45pm at Ollerton Town's Walesby Lane Sports Ground tonight.

Johnson's squad will then depart to Oakhampton in the South-West of England for a four-day pre-season tour, running from Saturday to Wednesday.

Their game against Tiverton Town - as part of the tour - has today been called off so Johnson is frantically searching for another game to squeeze into the tour as well as the game against Oakhampton on Sunday.