Alfreton finally claimed their first win since 21 December, edging past Leamington FC with a 1-0 victory at the Impact Arena. Liam Waldock’s 12th goal of the season in the 78th minute proved to be the difference in a game that saw the Reds create the better chances. A crowd of 409 watched the encounter, which all but secured Alfreton’s status in the National League North.
The Reds made one change from their 2-0 defeat at Chorley, with Liam Waldock replacing Lewis Salmon. Leamington made five changes from their 2-0 win over South Shields on Saturday, with Robert Evans, Jack Edwards, Will Shorrock, Jiah Medrano and Anthony Lynn all coming into the starting XI.
Leamington got the action underway, with Will Shorrock taking the kick-off. The first big moment came from on-loan keeper George Sykes-Kenworthy, who produced a flying save to deny a long-range effort.
A free-kick that led to the game’s first booking for Ewan Williams on 13 minutes also brought a handball appeal inside the box, though the foul favoured the visitors. Leamington’s best first-half opportunity came from a low delivery that flashed across the face of goal. Soon after, Hawkins produced an acrobatic save from a header following another Lund throw. The resulting corner was cleared.
Dan Meredith received treatment for a head injury and briefly returned but was soon replaced by Owen Farmer in the game's first change. Alfreton continued to apply pressure through a series of corners, but Leamington remained resolute. Five minutes before the break, Reds captain Dwayne Wiley picked up a booking for a foul near the centre circle.
The last action of the half saw Alfreton earn another corner, which was headed away after a second attempt. The sides went in level, though the Reds had better opportunities.

Alfreton resumed without changes and had the first real chance, which was ruled a foul. They continued to threaten and had another penalty appeal turned down for handball. Leamington responded with two efforts—German blocked one, and the second was a comfortable catch for Sykes-Kenworthy. Referee Jones spoke to both captains before Alfreton’s third corner for conduct on a box; the resulting corner was pulled back for a foul.
A long-range free-kick from Jake Day drew a routine stop from Hawkins.
Jed Abbey made way for Lewis Salmon before Anthony Lynn saw yellow for an elbow on Lund. The resulting free-kick went over the bar, as the visitors made their third and final change Joseph Clark replaced Lynn.
The game winning moment came on 78 minutes as Waldock slotted in from close range for his 12th of the season taking him to out right top goalscorer for the Reds after Hawkins failed to catch the ball.
Jack Edwards was booked for confronting the assistant referee over the goal and was soon replaced by Matthew Richards. Jake Day had a final penalty appeal denied before being replaced by Gerry McDonagh. Alfreton continued to press, and Sykes-Kenworthy made a vital stop late on.
As the final whistle blew, the Impact Arena erupted in celebration. The result marked Alfreton’s first victory in three months at home and moved them one step closer to safety in the National League North. Next up for the Reds is a trip to face Marine.
Reds: Sykes-Kenworthy, Clackstone, Hunt, Lund, Wiley (C), Waldock, Abbey (Salmon 69’), Newall, Osborne, German, Day (McDonagh 87’)
Leamington: Hawkins, Meredith (Farmer 35’), Evans, Landers, Walker, Edwards (Richards 80’), Shorrock, Ward, Medrano, Williams, Lynn (Clark 73’)
Attendance: 409