Alan Hardy: 'I hope full time in Notts County, Coventry City clash brings scenes that will go down in Meadow Lane folklore'

Alan Hardy has urged the Notts County fanbase to play their part in what he hopes to be a night "that will go down in Meadow Lane folklore".

Tonight, the second leg of County's League Two playoff semi-final against Coventry City takes place, with the tie evenly - and unfairly - poised at 1-1.

Writing in the Nottingham Post, Hardy spoke at length about the nerves and anticipation involved prior to kickoff, the camaraderie in the Notts camp, and the role which the Black & White Army must play.

"So the day has finally arrived when our hopes, dreams and aspirations can be realised on what I hope is an unforgettable night at Meadow Lane," wrote Hardy.

"Coventry stand in our way in their bid to reach the League Two play-off final at Wembley and they will provide formidable opposition in our quest to reach that famous arch.

"All we can ask from the players is they run their legs into the ground, tackle that little bit harder and run that little bit further than the opposition.

"They have been fantastic all season, defying everybody’s expectations given the original objective was consolidation.

"But here we are, on the cusp of Wembley, and we require them now to give one final push to ensure we can all enjoy a capital day out when we can paint London in a sea of black and white.

"It will be nervous, it will be tense, but I have firm belief in the manager Kevin Nolan and his players, who have developed an incredible brothers-in-arms mentality.

"They have done their family, friends, the club and themselves proud with the way they have conducted themselves over the last nine months.

"The spirit among them is absolutely first class. When one is in trouble, the other goes to help out. When you’ve got that kind of mentality, how can you go wrong?

"I am fully expecting Meadow Lane to be sold out, with tickets having been snapped up amid exceptional demand.

"The thought of the Kop swaying in unison, singing their hearts out and roaring the boys on is something that has the hairs on the back of your neck standing up.

"Once again, it is going to be a phenomenal occasion in the history of this wonderful football club.

"The fans must not underestimate their importance to our quest either because they were absolutely incredible at the Ricoh Arena.

"They made a hell of a lot of noise and, having spoken to the manager and the players, it drove them on when legs were getting weary.

"It was the loudest away following of the season with the fans bouncing and dancing, culminating in an unforgettable sight. We need that again on Friday night.

"We all have a part to play in what is going to be a rollercoaster of emotions over 90 - or maybe even 120 - minutes.

"Like me, I’m sure you just want to hear the shrill of the referee’s whistle so we can all get cracking.

"It’s torture having to wait for kick-off but I hope that come full time we are witnessing scenes that will go down in Meadow Lane folklore."

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