Alfreton Town begin a new calendar year and a busy January with the visit of high flying Curzon Ashton to the Impact Arena for a vitally important National League North fixture.

The league standings continue to be tight in the extreme.

Only seven points separate the entire top half in National League. Moreover only two points separate Buxton in fifth and South Shields in 12th.

Alfreton slipped to a first league defeat against Buxton since the Bucks were promoted to Step 2 in the fifth meeting between the clubs at this level.

It was a thrilling encounter at Silverlands with five goals and a missed penalty in a breathless first half. Lewis Salmon had given Alfreton the early advantage with his fourth goal of the season but the home side had soon turned the tables and were in the lead by the half hour mark. Defender Max Hunt levelled the score with a superb header against his former club on 34 minutes before experienced Alfreton shot stopper George Willis was at his brilliant best to save a penalty with the hosts.

However Buxton were not to be denied the lead at the interval and despite being much the better side in the second period the Reds just couldnt quite find a way back in to the contest.

The defeat leaves Billy Heath`s men 9th ahead of a tricly January which includes five home games and trip away visits to Spennymoor and Chester.

Curzon have been one of the stand out sides so g far this season. While they have hit a wobble over the Christmas period, losing their last two outings (4-1 v Leamington, 3-1 v Farsley Celtic) The Nash have had a season to remember so far sitting five points clear just before the Christmas Fixtures.

Indeed despite their dip in form Curzon who pose a formidable threat to the Reds as they hold the best away record in the league with just two defeats in 11 away games so far.

The Reds drew the corresponding fixture last season while suffering defeat at the Tameside Stadium so will be searching for a first win over the nash in two years.

Admission for each Vanarama National League North fixture at the Impact Arena during the 2024/25 season is:

Adult - £15
Concession (Over 65yrs) - £10
16-21yrs & Students £10
Under 15yrs - £3
Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets can be purchased here - https://ticketpass.org/event/EATDGP/alfreton-town-fc-v-curzon-ashton-2

Parking at the Impact Arena is incredibly limited. We recommend 
the pay and display parking on Rogers Lane, DE55 7FF and also at Severn Square, DE55 7BT - both are a five to ten minute walk to and from the Impact Arena.

Please be considerate of residents on the estate next to the arena, particularly Connaught Court, Bentley Close and North Street. We ask supporters to avoid parking in the residential areas around the ground and instead ask that you follow the advice and park in the pay and display car parks