Newell's side are a point behind leaders Hampshire

Nottinghamshire's director of cricket Mick Newell believes qualification for the next stage of the Friends Provident Trophy will go down to the wire.

Notts lost their second game in the group stage on Tuesday as they were beaten by Hampshire by six wickets.

Newell told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I think it means the group is likely to go all the way to the last matches.

"We've got to win in Ireland on Saturday and then win two more games next week."

I would've like to have qualified early but that looks like it's not going to be the case at all Mick Newell

After Saturday's trip to Ireland, Notts go to Leicestershire on Tuesday before rounding off their group games with a home match against Hampshire on Wednesday.

Hampshire lead the group on seven points, with Notts and Worcester on six and Leicestershire on four.

Newell added: "I would've like to have qualified early but that looks like it's not going to be the case at all."

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