Alfreton Town finally return home on Saturday to the hallowed turf of the Impact Arena for a vital clash against Southport on Matchday 20 in Enterprise National League North. It’s been a tough and testing first half of the season, with the fixture list often posing frequent, lengthy away games, and with no home cup fixture in any competition yet this season, the Impact Arena is feeling somewhat starved of action – a point illustrated by this fixture against the Sandgrounders being the only one at home in a run of seven games between November 11th and December 20th.
Alfreton travelled to the Yorkshire coast to face Scarborough, at their temporary home of Bridlington Town’s Mounting Systems Stadium on Tuesday night in the league. It was a much improved showing from Jake Buxton’s men to that of the second half against red hot Merthyr Town last Saturday. Scarborough had a few shots from distance in the first half with Burgoyne having to be alert to field to safety, including a header that was flicked on at close quarters. Scarborough also struck the frame of the goal when a cross from out wide was overhit and almost caught out Burgoyne.
The Reds were agonizingly close to a breakthrough just before the break when Bayley McCann’s thunderous dead ball cannoned off the underside of the bar before bouncing down on the line allowing the Scarborough keeper Ryan Whitley to collect.
Ofton continued to enjoy the better of the second half without creating too many guilt edged chances. It was Barnsley loanee McCann that again forced a good save at full stretch out of Whitley.
The game finished goalless with both teams sharing the points. The result meant Alfreton remained in 21st position inside the relegation places on goal difference from Worksop Town. There were crucial wins on Tuesday night for Kings Lynn Town, Peterborough Sports and a resurgent Southport.
On the 4th of November, Southport were rock bottom of the league but a run of 2 wins and 2 draws in four league games has propelled the Merseyside club to 18th, 3 places and two points above the Reds.
After yet another close shave with relegation last term, it’s been a summer of change again at Haig Avenue. New owners were ushered in, in the form of David Cunningham and Kieran Malone, who replaced the Big Help Group. Experienced EFL stalwart Neil Danns was appointed new boss, his first permanent managerial role.
It’s been a tough and arduous start for Dann’s though, with Southport propping up the league until early November. Wins over Buxton in league and cup along with league successes over Hereford and last time out against Radcliffe have dramatically changed their position. Port are unbeaten in seven games in all competitions, winning 4 and drawing three.
The Reds have a strong record against the Sandgrounders but will be looking for a big improvement on last season which saw Southport record their first double over Ofton in some 18 years. Alfreton have lost only one of their last five against Port at the Impact and will be desperate to extend that on Saturday in what can only be billed as a relegation six pointer.
Come on Reds be the twelfth man and roar the lads on to a huge three points as we look to get out of the drop zone! COYR!
Online Tickets Encouraged
To help speed up entry at the turnstiles and assist the club in planning food, drink, and staffing requirements, supporters are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online via: https://ticketpass.org/event/
Admission will also be available on the gate (cash or card), but buying online helps everyone enjoy a smoother matchday experience.
Travel
Leave the M1 at Junction 28, then take the A38 towards Derby for two miles before heading off on the B600 slip road. At the T-junction, turn right towards the town centre, then turn left at the pedestrian crossing into North Street. The ground is on the right-hand side.
Parking
Pay-and-display parking is available at Rogers Lane (DE55 7FF) and Severn Square (DE55 7BT), both a 5–10 minute walk from the ground. Surrounding areas and neighbouring streets are also available, but please be respectful of local residents and avoid blocking driveways.
Queries
If you want to get in touch with the club, you can email us on enquiries@alfretontownfc.com.
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.
