Alfreton Town made the short journey over the County border to Nottingham to face former FA Cup winners Notts County on Friday night in the Emirates FA Cup First Round.

Roared on by Alfreton`s highest ever official away following of 1326 superb supporters, an early opportunity arose for Jake Day, who volleyed one from range in the opening seconds, but it was a comfortable save for the County goalkeeper Alex Bass.

The hosts got control of the ball well in the first half, and had an early chance of their own through Hinchey, who fired just wide.

The scoreline of 5-1 to Notts County may have been somewhat harsh on Alfreton however, as many would argue they were the better side in the first half and gave a great game to the League Two side, unfortunately they ran out of steam towards the end chasing the game. Allowing for space in behind their defence which Notts County were able to exploit.

Alfreton took the lead on 14 minutes after some fantastic work from Jake Day to bring down a long ball and get a shot off that was deflected into the path of Liam Waldock to slot home from the middle of the six yard box as he notched his third goal in his last three FA Cup appearances.

The away side`s lead barely lasted a minute though after Matty Platt’s speculative shot from 30 yards beat George Willis after taking a cruel deflection to restore parity.
As the half wore on Alfreton grew into the game more and more, with an effort from Lund going over the bar after a lovely move by the Reds.

With 52 places between the sides in the footballing pyramid, you have to say Alfreton have been the better side of the first 45.

Possession was beginning to sway towards the visitors for a while too as they got more of a foothold in the match

Once again Adam Lund was utilising that long throw of his very well, and it was a real threat for Alfreton with it causing Notts plenty of concern

The visitors had another chance on the right through Abbey, as following a quick freekick the wide-man squared for Jake Day but the Alfreton striker arrived just too late on the scene otherwise Alfreton surely would’ve scored again.

The halftime whistle went and Alfreton went into the break with a fully deserved goal, and a memorable moment, scoring the first goal of this season’s FA Cup.

Notts County took the lead after a quick start to the second half through top scorer Alassana Jatta, who tapped home after Platt fantastically slid through Jevani Brown who was able to square it for Jatta who really could not miss.

The Magpies could’ve extended their lead as Jatta was played in again moments later but the offside flag went up much to the relief of the away side.

The home side continued to dominate the ball but Alfreton hung in there with some latch ditch defending

That was until Jatta scored again for the hosts to make it 3-1 on 62 minutes , with a lovely finish beyond the goalkeeper after a defence splitting pass from the dangerous Brown.

The away side didn’t go down without a fight however, as they pushed to reduce to deficit. Max Hunt had a header saved after a nice ball in by Clackstone.

In the final few minutes, Notts County earned themselves a penalty after a rash challenge from substitute Harry Perritt. The penalty was then converted by Jevani Brown for the home side to take the result beyond doubt

The home side then added a fifth just before the final whistle as Brown grabbed his second of the night after George Willis had parried an intial shot from Ryley Reynolds .

Alfreton may have lost but they won the hearts of many including the incredible travelling supporters. It was a day to remember for the club, the players and fans despite the result, and Waldock’s goal will live long in the supporter’s memories for many years to come.

Attendance 6658 including 1326 Alfreton supporters

Alfreton Town Football Club

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