Our second pre-season game and the first of our European tour is upon us, so as the local boy I thought I'd open a match thread (feel free to merge if another one is scheduled)!

Darmstadt will be tough opposition - they're a solid Bundesliga 2 side and are also further along in their preparations than we are. Their new signings include centre half Patric Pfeiffer - rejoining the club after helping them to promotion to the Bundesliga during his last spell, while another man to watch is big striker Fraser Hornby, who came through the youth ranks at Northampton and Everton and has played for Scotland up to under-21 level. Expect them to play an attacking style with a high defensive line.

The home side started their pre-season with a 24-0 win against the mighty force that is SV Traisa, and at the weekend they beat Viktoria Aschaffenburg (fourth division) 4-1.

As for Notts, it'll be interesting to see which of the Alfreton trialists make the trip and whether there are any new faces. It'll also be Barry Cotter's first appearance in a Notts shirt. It'll be interesting to see how MP intends to play, but realistically it's about getting minutes in legs at this stage.

I've no idea whether there will be a live stream yet, but if they do it'll probably be on the Lilies' official YouTube page.

I would hope the Notts media team think about live streaming these games, as it would keep the fans better informed, and not everyone can go to Germany. It would also allow those with work commitments or who are able to watch but not travel a chance to stay updated with the pre-season. I am sure it's going to be another tough game, I'm not sure if Martin Paterson will continue with the two XIs in both halves or just make sweeping changes. Also, any repeat trialists could be an indication of how seriously we are looking at them.

The match has a 5:30 pm kick off tomorrow. Although I cannot be at the match I will be looking for the match updates online.

I hope that the Notts App & the X account will have regular updates on the match.

I agree that the match will be tough. I do think it is important that the Notts team is tested to the full so that we can see where they are.

I'm sure that Martin will use just as many players like we saw at the Alfreton game. I hope that some of the players we didn't see at Alfreton will be given a run out if they are available.

I would like to see where Martin will play Jatta, Traore & Dennis. Who will lead the line, & who will play just behind.

I’ll keep an eye on the scores, but I’m really just hoping the club shares highlights or even full match videos. It should be good for the squad. Anyone know why Jodi Jones wasn’t in the Alfreton Town game? I’ve not seen much said about Scott Robertson either, but it sounds like he might be out for a while. Both players could really do with a solid pre-season.

I’m really hoping to hear some positive updates from the fans who managed to go. Their thoughts will be the best way for me and others who couldn’t make it to get a feel for how things went.

I thought Notts might have shared highlights from the Alfreton game, but there’s nothing on the official site. I don’t see why this game would be any different, but I’m still hoping they’ll post something. It would be great to watch.

Here we go off into the depths of Germany hoping that all three games here will provide a good quality outlook for the future season to come.

I think Martin will pool different ideas, informed by what happened on Saturday. Then hopefully we'll start seeing our most positive and productive formation going forward.

Personally, after Martins interview following the Alfreton game I am eager to see him follow up on and back up his thoughts constructed from that.

All things considered, I hope that the squad and fans who are making the trip all enjoy Germany and it's beautiful countryside, returning safe and fulfilled.

Thank you @DangerousSausage for the insight into tonight’s opposition, they certainly sound like a side with plenty of goals in them, it’ll be a tough test for our defence. I look forward to seeing any footage and/or updates from the media team. COYP!

i hope we put on a good showing and it will be interesting to see which trialists make the trip, since notts has said some are going. a bit disappointed jatta could not make it, is the visa issue due to going to germany or is the visa he gets from playing for notts?

if we win, i hope fans dont get carried away. we put a good showing on last time but fell short late on.

Here's your Notts starting eleven.

The match begins.

Goal to Darmstadt

Goal number 2 for Darmstadt.

I was curious. Fraser Hornby. Born in England. Played for Scotland at youth level. Valued at around 2m quid.

Behind at the break.

Back underway with an unchanged eleven.

Lots of Notts changes for the last 30 minutes.

Update.

GOOOOOAAAAAL GRANT.

Full Time.

Notts win the second half.

No shame in losing to a team of Darmstadt's quality. Notts played much better in the second half & deserved their goal. Well taken goal by Grant after good build up play.

It would have been a good run out for the squad. We didn't play our strongest team, and it's all about seeing how the options we do have fit together. I haven't yet listened to Martin Paterson's comments on the game. I am sure it revealed some good insights, and it was interesting to see the trialist keeper start. I am also pleased for Conor Grant to have found the net.

@Piethagoram, what did you make of Fraser Hornby? Can we sign him up?? 😂

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraser_Hornby

Grant finishes a great Notts move with passing & movement from one end of the pitch to the other.

Yes, the goal was simple, but the build-up was clever. It was a smart pass into space that should have been finished off first time. Conor Grant did well to follow up, but it’s the quick play from the back that really stands out. That kind of attacking intent is good to see.

Last season, Notts wouldn’t have taken that sort of chance. Now, with more focus on keeping the ball, there’s a willingness to take a bit of a risk by running behind the defence. That change could work well over time. A 2-1 defeat away from home, with a mixed and rotated squad, isn’t a bad result at all.

Does anyone know who the trialist keeper was that let in both goals? It would be good to put a name to the face and see how he gets on in other games. Notts probably gave a solid performance overall. These early matches are mainly about getting match sharpness and building up fitness. A 2-1 result is encouraging. With a mixed squad and players rotating, it’s a decent start. On to the next match in Germany.

Let’s hope the progress continues.

One game done, two more to go before we return to Meadow Lane. A 2-1 result isn’t bad at all, it’s all about getting minutes and letting the players show what they can do. It’s also a good chance for the new signings to settle in and get used to playing with the rest of the squad. These matches are about building fitness and finding rhythm.

The support has been brilliant. Notts fans really showed up and made a strong impression. It’s great to see that backing, even in pre-season.