The full set of fixtures for the 2009/10 Coca-Cola League Two season was published this morning and yet again the Silkmen have been drawn to play away on opening day. That makes it six years in a row, our last home game on opening day taking place back in August 2003!
TOUGH OPENING MONTH
Keith Alexander's team will begin their campaign with a tough looking game at Northampton on Saturday August 8th. The Cobblers were relegated from League One last season but are expected to be one of the stronger outfits in League Two this season.
After entertaining Leicester City in the Carling Cup, the Silkmen welcome Notts County to the Moss Rose for their first home league game. The Magpies are subject to takeover talks which could result in significant investment into the club. The bookies have taken note slashing their odds from 40 to just 14-1.
It's a hat-trick of home games three days later when we host Port Vale before pitting our wits against former boss Sammy McIlroy on Saturday August 22nd in Morecambe. Rotherham then visit the Moss the following August Bank Holiday weekend to make it a tough first month for the Silkmen.
The Silkmen have also missed out on a home game on Boxing Day, travelling to Shrewsbury Town. However we have the prospect of a local derby with Crewe Alexandra on December 28 to look forward to.
FA CUP
The FA Cup once again begins on the first Saturday in November and should we progress to the 3rd Round, this will be played on Saturday January 2nd, the date we are due to play Morecambe at the Moss Rose. This of course means that for the second year running there will be no game on New Years Day.
MIDWEEK MATCHES
In addition to the Tuesday night game against Vale on August 18, we are also due to play both Grimsby Town and Burton Albion both home and away in midweek games. We also travel to Accrington on a Tuesday night in November.
The season finishes on May 8th with a trip to Lincoln City, our home campaign having been completed the previous week with the visit of Darlington.
A full copy of the fixture list can be downloaded here. 2009/10 Fixture List - Draft
Please note this is not to be reproduced without the written permission of the Football League.
The dates as they stand are provisional, with clubs having until June 26th to contact the League with any suggestions for change. We will of course keep you posted. Roll on Saturday 8th August!
Our SMS text susbscribers were the first to hear the news this morning, direct to their phones.
