The National League North continues apace for Alfreton Town, who face another away trip on Tuesday night as the Reds head to the East Yorkshire coast to take on play-off challengers Scarborough Athletic.
Alfreton’s first-ever visit to Merthyr Town on Saturday proved to be a harsh reality check for Jack Buxton’s side. The Reds made a bright start, with Mark Beck opening the scoring from the penalty spot after Lewis Salmon was bundled over, before Siya Ligendza extended the lead to 2-0 within just 12 minutes. Alfreton had another penalty appeal shortly afterward following a robust challenge on Salmon, but referee Pratt was unmoved. Beck continued to cause problems for the hosts, almost adding to his tally with a looping header that landed just the wrong side of the post.
Beck was forced off for treatment following a facial injury, and it was at this point that Merthyr began to build momentum. Harry Burgoyne pulled off numerous exceptional saves throughout the afternoon, including one that was truly world-class from the dangerous Rees. Moments later, Merthyr were on the scoresheet as Cole Jarvis turned in a loose ball from close range following another Burgoyne save. The Martyrs drew level before the break when National League North top scorer Ricardo Rees, left unmarked, smartly finished from an improbable position. Alfreton went into halftime having surrendered a two-goal advantage.
Merthyr continued to look dangerous in the second half. Lewis Salmon had an excellent game and made some good forays forward, but Alfreton struggled to threaten as they had in the early stages. Jarvis grabbed his second goal and Merthyr’s third just before the hour mark. Late personnel changes failed to stem the tide, and the hosts added three more goals to leave the scoreline reflecting a harsh result for the Reds, with Rees completing a treble with the sixth and final goal in stoppage time. With results elsewhere, Alfreton ended the day back in the relegation zone following a 6-2 defeat, marking 22 goals conceded in five games on artificial surfaces this season.
Jake Buxton will be relieved that Tuesday’s fixture is not taking place at Scarborough’s home ground due to ongoing structural issues with the Seadogs’ pitch. Scarborough have signed a season-long loan deal with neighbours Bridlington Town, who compete in the Northern Premier Division One East at Step 4 of the non-league system. The stadium has been upgraded to Step 2 ground-grading standards during the summer.
Alfreton last visited Bridlington Town’s ground on 19 March 2002, suffering a 2-1 defeat in the first leg of the NCEL Presidents Cup Final. Under the management of Chris Wilder, who won four trophies at the helm of the Reds, Alfreton went on to win the cup on away goals after Mick Godber’s winner in the second leg. Bridlington were managed at that time by Billy Heath, who led the club from 2000 to 2006.
Alfreton went unbeaten against Scarborough last season, with a 2-0 away win in February 2025 and a 1-1 draw at the Impact Arena. Buxton will be hoping for more midweek magic, as three consecutive Tuesday-night wins—two in the league and one in the Trophy—have helped improve Alfreton’s fortunes. The Reds will be eager to avoid another away defeat, which could leave them further entrenched in the relegation zone ahead of a home game against Southport on Saturday at the Impact Arena.
Match Information
For all the details regarding attending the fixture, please read our match information page, here: Match Information: Scarborough Athletic (A) – Alfreton Town
Contact
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We hope you have a great time following the Reds on Tuesday.
