Alfreton Town secured a hard-fought point on Tuesday night, as the shares were spoiled in a 0-0 draw with Scarborough. Playing at the home of Bridlington Town – where Scarborough groundshare – the Reds’ resolute defence earned another midweek result on the road, which could prove vital come the end of the season.
Jake Buxton made just one change from the defeat to Merthyr on Saturday, with throw-in maestro Adam Lund returning to the squad in place of Harry Hawkins after recovering from a minor injury.
Spurred on by the 509 within the Mounting Systems Stadium, the Seadogs had the faster start of the sides. In the 22nd minute, Alex Brown’s cross skimmed off the top of the crossbar, sending warning signs to the Alfreton defence.
Moments later, Town rattled the upright from their own attempt. After Siya Ligendza was bundled over on the edge of the area, Bailey McCann’s resulting free kick cannoned back off the frame of the goal, leaving the travelling Ofton fans with their hands on their heads at what could’ve been.
As the halfway mark approached, Borough asked the final questions of the first 45. Luca Colville cut inside once more from the left channel and unleashed a shot that flashed just wide of Harry Burgoyne’s post – a late let-off for the visitors.
But despite an even first half, it would be the visitors who dominated the second. The first chance of the half fell in the 68th minute, when McCann’s sweetly struck effort from the edge of the area forced Ryan Whitley into a crucial save.
Tensions threatened to overflow soon after when Nathan Newell was clean through, but a challenge just outside the area earned the Reds a free kick. A scuffle followed, and the Seadogs defender was given a caution.
Piling the pressure on late, Alfreton thought they had won it in the dying embers. McCann was the catalyst once more, delivering a dangerous free kick into the six-yard box. The delivery was claimed by Whitley, but the Borough goalkeeper fell backwards, threatening to carry it beyond the line – yet the scores remained level.
Ofton return to action on Saturday, playing host to Southport in another crucial fixture in the Enterprise National League North.
