NORTH: Plenty of plaudits for Alfreton

Last Saturday's drawn game against Macclesfield Town in the FA Cup first round saw Alfreton Town pass several tests with flying colours. Although it took an injury time equaliser from Mark Sale, the Reds proved themselves on the pitch to deservedly earn a replay next Tuesday where the prize for the winners is a money-spinning trip to Hull City in the second round proper.

The Reds also earned plenty of plaudits from all the relevant local authorities for successfully staging such a prestigious game and all the administrative and safety headaches that came with it.

The day passed without any incidents in or out of the stadium, before, during or after the match. Club chairman Wayne Bradley was a happy man: 'The authorities in every area have applauded us - and it is of huge significance to us that they have, it is a big feather in our cap," he said. 'For it means we have passed the test of housing well over 2000 through the gate successfully, we have proved our potential to progress.

'I am also warmed by the speed in which the tickets for the cup tie were sold and the willingness of people to want to be at that game. The fixture could have housed more than 3000 people, and I am now looking for a third of that to become the norm at a higher level should we attain it.

'It was a cracking cup tie, and there were no doubts about the entertainment level or our quality. I wondered if we could excite enough reaction and the answer is a big yes.

'I am delighted we have passed everything asked of us and it shows that we can plan positively for the next stages of the club's progression'.

The FA Cup tie generated huge interest in the club, not only from the fans but also from the media. Goalkeeper Lee Butler's heroics in the game saw him listed as the 'keeper in the Non League Paper's FA Cup team of the day and he has also been nominated for the FA's prestigious FA Cup 'Player of the Round' award (click here for more details).

Replay details
Alfreton Town's FA Cup 1st round replay will not be all ticket and entry will be payment at the gate on the night.

The Reds travel to Macclesfield Town's Moss Rose ground next Tuesday (23rd) where there are 1900 spaces for visiting fans, just over 400 of which are seated. Kick-off is 7.45pm. Prices are £13 with £8 concessions for terraces and £17 with £12 concessions for seated accommodation.

ATFC Supporters Association are running transport to the game and seats can be booked by contacting either Mark Thorpe on 01773 836251 or Ian McRoy on 01246 861457 or 079 447 27682. Transport departure time is 5.15pm from North Street.

League action
This Saturday the Reds have their first league action for three and a half weeks and face a stiff test at fifth-placed Altrincham (3pm). Supporters Association transport departs from North Street at 11am.

Senior Cup tie rescheduled
Alfreton Town's outstanding Derbyshire Senior Cup second round home tie against Buxton has been rescheduled for Tuesday, November 30th (7.45pm). The Reds exited their first cup competition of the season on Tuesday evening when a much changed side narrowly went down 1-0 at home to Worksop Town for whom it was a first victory over Alfreton since 1996.

Dolby goes on list
Alfreton Town winger Chris Dolby has requested to go on the transfer list and his availability has been circulated to all Conference and UniBond clubs. A reasonable fee will be required for the player who has made 134 appearances for the Reds, scoring 18 times. All enquiries to Reds manager David Lloyd 07976 218826.

Reserves
The Reserves grabbed themselves a sixth round place in the Midlands Regional Alliance Challenge Cup after a 5-3 victory at Melbourne Dynamo last Saturday. Goals came from Rob Cam (2), Wes Pierce (2) and Shaun Bainbridge. The Reserves were in league action on Wednesday evening of this week with a home league game against Rowsley '86 while this Saturday they are home again with Mickleover Sports Reserves the visitors (3pm).

Under 19s
The Under-19s exited the FA Youth Cup after a 5-1 first round proper defeat at Lincoln City last Wednesday. Joel Birks got the Reds goal. The U19s return to league action next Wednesday (24th) with a home game against Hucknall Town (7.45pm).