At the risk of jinxing everything, I am trying to piece together my schedule so I can make myself free just on the off chance we have a jolly jaunt into Europe next season.

 

Does anyone know the likely dates that we will be playing?

Astra have already played a couple of pre-season games. They drew 2-2 away at Lokomotiva Zagreg, (4th placed in Croatia), who themselves are 'warming up' for the Europa League.

Then Astra crossed the border into Slovenia to play current champs and Champions League regulars, NK Maribor (although Maribor didn't use their official pitch).
Maribor 0-3 Astra !!!
The opening goal was stunning - I've seen goals scored from corners before, where the 'keeper, in a crowd of bodies,  has lost an inswinging corner - but this was driven in!
It's just after 1 minute in the 3 mins of highlights. Astra in the red.
Really hope Ryan Esson's aware of this 'party piece'!