FA TROPHY: Alfreton Town 2 Kettering Town 1
Alfreton Town received an FA Trophy tonic on Tuesday night when they edged past Kettering Town to reach the last 32 of the competition for only the second time in their history.
A 2-1 replay victory sets up a mouth-watering clash with Conference club Woking at the Impact Arena on February 5th. It is another big game in a season of many highs already, and one which the club are relishing.
Defeat against Nationwide North table toppers and promotion rivals Kettering could have seen the season labelled a 'series of nearlies'. But the hard-earned victory has lifted everyone connected with the club and will give added impetus to the next few games with players eager to claim a shirt for the prestige tie.
The club in general was in need of a lift after going three games without a win or even a goal at the start of 2005.
As it was, the win has set the place buzzing again and as well as providing a timely confidence booster for the league run in, it also boosted the club's coffers with £4000 prize money for the round. There is £5000 at stake for the 4th round Woking clash.
The Reds have already proved in the FA Cup that they are more than capable of hosting and living with higher echelon opposition, and will be eager to test themselves against an established Conference level club who are also three-times Trophy winners.
The win was given the platform of Chris Bettney's 11th minute opener which ended a 303-minute barren spell in front of goal for the Reds.
In another rousing game - the third between the clubs this season, in which the Reds are unbeaten - Kettering equalised on 42 minutes through Ollie Burgess but the Reds gained victory thanks to Mick Godber's 14th goal of the season six minutes from time.
It also ensures a sharp focus within the squad with shirt places being keenly competed for - particularly with manager David Lloyd promising to make changes last week. Supporters should still 'watch this space' for those changes and the club are set for more progressional additions both on and off the pitch over the next week or so.
The Reds had deservedly earned a replay from a goalless draw at Kettering Town last Saturday.
Fixture alterations
The Woking FA Trophy fixture means the scheduled trip to Lancaster City on that date has been moved to Tuesday, February 8th (7.45pm), although should a Trophy replay be necessary, the trip to the north west would have to be changed again.
Alfreton Town's Nationwide North league game at Hinckley United has been brought forward one day and will now be played on Good Friday, March 25th, with a 7.45pm kick-off.
The Easter Monday game against Stalybridge Celtic at the Impact Arena will kick-off at 3pm.
Travel
This Saturday the Reds travel to take on Runcorn FC Halton in Nationwide North action (3pm). Transport will depart at 10.30am from North Street. Supporters wanting to book seats should contact Mark Thorpe on 01773 836251 or Ian McRoy on 01246 861457 or 07944 727682.
Next Tuesday sees the Reds in Derbyshire Senior Cup semi-final action when Belper Town visit the Impact Arena (7.45pm).
Reserves
Alfreton Town Reserves had last Saturday’s Midlands Regional Alliance Premier Division game at Cromford postponed.
The Reserves - currently second in the table - are home to league leaders Derby Rolls Royce Leisure this Saturday (3pm).
Next Wednesday Mickleover Sports Reserves visit the Impact Arena (7.45pm). In the League Cup semi-finals the Reds Reserves face Ashover FC on Wednesday, March 9th at a neutral venue yet to be announced.
Under-19s
The Under-19s went down 1-0 at home against Belper Town last Wednesday and had Tuesday evening's game at Middlewood Rovers postponed due to the hosts pitch being covered by four inches of snow. Next Wednesday, the Under-19s are away at champions-elect Dunkirk (7.45pm).
