Manager Billy Heath was celebrating his 200th game in charge of the Reds and became the third longest serving custodian of that position, having exceeded the four and a half years that Danny Hague and Paul Mitchell reigned in the 90s - those ahead of him are the late Jim Bullions [1961-68] and Nicky Law [2007-2017].

There was also a degree of confusion over Alfreton's 82nd minute equaliser with Dom Smith's header appearing to have been cleared from behind the line before Jordan Thewlis followed up at the back post.

It transpired later that referee Niall Smith had been about to blow for a penalty as Matt Rhead was clattered into as he made the vital lay-off from George Willis' deep free-kick, but thankfully opted to play advantage.

Tope Obadeyi had given Gloucester a 52nd minute lead when he was allowed to waltz virtually unchallenged through the Reds' defence, which had maintained until then a determined exercise in frustrating their opponents.

Defender Josh Clackstone returned after a lay-off, but an injury to Dwayne Wiley will add pressure to an already depleted squad for the run-in.

Keeper Willis had made a couple of telling saves in the first half, thwarting both Jacob Berkeley-Agygpong and Sion Spence, while Kieran Phillips blazed over from close range.

Alfreton's chances during this period had been Dayle Southwell's ninth minute shot wide from the edge of the area, then two minutes prior to the interval Yusifu Ceesay saw his shot blocked at source by Daniel Leadbitter.

There was very little reportable action in the second half, save for the goals - indeed it is rare for Alfreton to even score on an artificial pitch, having only ever won once in their history on such a surface, so all in all a draw was a highly acceptable outcome.

ALFRETON: Willis; Clackstone, Teale, Cantrill, Smith, Wiley [Dearle h/t],
Ceesay [Salam 88], Branson, Rhead, Southwell [Thewlis 69], Hobson.
other subs; Denton, Askew.

Referee: Niall Smith
Attendance: 1053