Alfreton Town return to the Impact Arena tomorrow afternoon after three straight defeats, looking for a big morale lifting three points in the National League North, kick off is 3pm.

Three defeats in a row in all competitions have greeted Billy Heath after losses against Gateshead two weeks ago, Blyth in the FA Trophy and then at York City three weeks ago. Postponements have hammered the schedule with Gloucester City called off last weekend and Matlock in the Derbyshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night also cancelled due to the Gladiators being involved in the FA Trophy.

Long term injuries to the likes of Bobby Johnson, Ben Tomlinson and Josh Wilde have also blighted the Reds squad with new additions Jordan Wright on loan from Forest and Jude Oyibo until the end of the season will provide welcome options.

The Reds struggled with the strong start made by Gateshead in our last outing two weeks ago, with the hosts very good on the ball and pinging passes around all over the park. The opener after just nine minutes was an early set-back as the Reds start to games of late hasn't helped us with Alfreton often chasing contests early on.

Despite conceding early and Gateshead missing two big chances we went into the interval just a goal down. The Reds were far better in the second half and equalised mid-way through the half when Dale Whitham fired a low strike into the bottom corner. The goal swung the tide for us with the game going either way but two late strikes sealed the three points for the hosts and continued the poor run of form for Billy Heath's men.

Alfreton head into tomorrow's game off the back of three straight defeats in all competitions and are currently win-less in four games. Home form has taken a bad slide with the Reds losing the last four at the Impact Arena and haven't registered a win at home since the 3-2 success over Curzon back on the 7th September.

A big three points is needed to at least return to winning ways and return to winning ways at home too to get us back into the mix for the play-offs and prevent us sliding into the bottom half of the league table.

Visitors Kettering currently sit in 20th place in the league table with 18 points from 19 games. They are one place above the relegation zone but do have a five point cushion on Blyth who occupy the final drop zone spot.

The Poppies current playing record stands at: P19, W4, D6, L9.

Kettering have been through change thus far in the 2019/20 campaign which saw them promoted last season as Southern League champions, they endured a poor start to the season which saw them bottom of the league after 13 games and an FA Cup exit to Sutton Coldfield Town.

After parting ways with Nicky Eaden in September, former player Paul Cox took over the reigns in October an has steadied the ship with Kettering losing just once in their last eight games in all competitions.

Their last outing was a 2-1 defeat to FC United last weekend in the FA Trophy first round and the visitors head into the game win-less in four (L1, D3).

Away form has seen the Poppies win just once on the road in the league (Guiseley 1-2) back on the 9th November.

Ground Address:
The Impact Arena, North Street, Alfreton, DE55 7FZ.

Admission:
Adults: £14, Concessions: £10, U16s: £2.

Visitor information and parking:
Food and drink facilities are available with two food outlets located in the ground. Alcoholic drinks are available from the bar with covered seating and standing also available to visiting fans.

We have a small car park next to the ground for a small fee, otherwise it is street parking in the surrounding roads, but please be respectful to our neighbours.

Form (Last five):
Reds - WDLLL
Kettering - WDDDL

Last Time Out:
Saturday 14th September 2019: Kettering Town 2-1 Alfreton Town
[i]The Reds lost the last meeting with the Poppies in September, with the Reds bang in form at the time, having won five of the last six. But we came un-stuck in our first league meeting of the season. Nti scored with just 30 seconds on the clock from the penalty spot before Kelly made it 2-0 just two minutes later. in what proved to be a crucial and explosive start. Amari fired in a good strike in first half stoppage time but chances went begging in the second half as we fell to defeat.[/i