Reds head to Brackley today for opening game of the season

Alfreton Town head to Brackley Town for the opening game of the new National League North season for 2019/20, kick off at St James Park is 3pm.

Billy Heath's new look squad head to St James Park looking to make another strong start to the campaign after last season's exploits which saw four successive wins over August and September. Only defeats to ironically, Brackley; and Curzon Ashton came in August last season.

Improvement on the 15th placed finish last season will no doubt be on top of the priority list, but reaching the 40 point mark is always the first aim! Away form was particularly good for us last season with the Reds sitting in the top ten last season on away form, wins at Stockport, Darlington, York, Kidderminster and Guiseley were stand out displays in some fantastic away performances.

Reds recruitment has seen the likes of Amari Morgan-Smith, Dale Whitham, Shane Killock, Danny East and Dom Smith join the ranks. With Bobby Johnson, Josh Wilde and Dec Bacon, to name a few; looking at their second seasons in red colours.

Team spirit and togetherness have been the theme during pre season with Alfreton producing some excellent performances in narrow defeats to Nottingham Forest and Mansfield, whilst picking up impressive wins against Walsall and Notts County with the attitude and work rate within the squad a key factor for Billy Heath this season.

It's a positive feeling around the Impact Arena as we head into the first game of the season today, Brackley present the first test and a tough one at that, of the new season on matchday one. The Saints once again reached the National League North play offs last season and have finished in third in the last two campaigns.

Saints boss Kevin Wilkin has maintained the core of his squad from last season, new signings Thierry Audel from Welling United, Kelvin Langmead from Harrogate Town, Dan Holman from Kettering and young striker Tendai Daire have all added to the squad. The hosts will be looking to get off to the perfect start this afternoon.

Ground Address:
Brackley Town Football Club, St James Park, Churchill Way, Northamptonshire, NN13 7EJ.

Admission:
Adults: £13, Concessions, over 60s & Students: £8, U18’s: £5, U10's: FREE

Supporter Information:
The game will see the launch of Brackley's 'Stand Together' fund-raising campaign as the club sets out to re-build after the devastating fire that destroyed the clubhouse. While some facilities and changed arrangements will be in place for today's match, supporters can expect a good atmosphere to open the new season.

A temporary bar is available for the game and the traditional Saints full refreshment service including hot food will be on offer as normal for Reds supporters.

Last Time Out:
Tuesday 7th August 2018: Brackley Town 3-1 Alfreton Town
Richard Peniket scored a second half goal for the Reds as we slumped to a 3-1 defeat on the second game of the season in the 2018/19 campaign. Alfreton were two down within 13 first half minutes before Peniket pulled one back, Lee Ndlovu would then seal the game on 69 minutes.