Alfreton Town take a hiatus from the rigours of the National League North season as they begin their Isuzu FA Trophy campaign away at Northern Premier League Premier Division side Gainsborough Trinity tomorrow night.
It feels like the Jake Buxton era has started well, with Alfreton picking up a superb haul of seven points in the National League North from a quartet of difficult games, showing an infectious work ethic, a will to win and a never say die attitude that would have pleased Jake Buxton greatly.
A gritty win on the road at Chorley was then followed up by a brave effort against promotion favourites AFC Fylde. It was more midweek magic last time out for Ofton, taking home a victory against Spennymoor on Tuesday night.
An incredible late turnaround sparked jubilant scenes as a Glen Taylor freekick for visitors Spennymoor was cancelled out by two Alfreton goals in the final 10 minutes of regulation time.
Alfreton were second best for stretches of the contest but stayed in it through resilience and disciplined defending, before the excellent Mark Beck pulled the Reds level on 84 minutes. Beck’s initial effort from a Nathan Newall freekick was saved by the Spennymoor keeper, but he reacted quickly and buried the second attempt in the driving rain to bring Alfreton back on level terms.
The weather conditions continued to worsen but Alfreton showed commendable resolve to stick to their task manfully, and the improbable turnaround was completed when an excellent flick on from Beck was met by a fabulous header from top scorer Billy Fewster to the delight of the Reds faithful.
Alfreton held out for a massive result which had looked unlikely for most of the night as the Reds lifted themselves out of the bottom four up to 19th.
Since getting relegated from the National League North at the end of the 2017/18 season, Gainsborough have competed in the Northern Premier League Premier Division at Step 3.
Current boss Russ Wilcox was appointed in September 2023 after keeping Farsley up in National North.
Over the last two seasons Gainsborough have acquired a reputation as a very good cup side. The Lincolnshire outfit have won no fewer than 16 ties in the FA Cup and FA Trophy in the last two seasons alone, so it will be a really tough examination of Alfreton’s credentials.
The Holy Blues squad includes several former Reds including David Robson, Bobby Johnson, Fraser Preston and Frank Mulhern.
The clubs have been paired together on two previous occasions in the competition. Two replays were required in 1984/85 before Alfreton prevailed, while more recently in 2016/17 dense fog left visibility severely impaired. After a goalless draw, just one replay was needed, with Alfreton once again emerging victorious.
The winners will earn £3,750 and a spot in the next round while the losers recieve £1000
Travel (Supporters Coach)
Unfortunately the supporters Bus is fully booked for this game
Match day prices
Adults: £13 / Concessions: £9 / Under-16: £4. Tickets are to be purchased on the gate
Contact
If you want to get in touch with the club, you can email us on enquiries@alfretontownfc.
Alternatively, you can see the latest Reds news and updates on our club website and across our social media channels on X, Facebook and Instagram.
We hope you have a great time following the Reds on Tuesday night.
