NORTH: Alfreton Town news

LLOYD LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK

Alfreton Town boss David Lloyd is looking for his side to bounce back from New Year's Day's home defeat and go to league leaders Southport this Saturday and get a positive result.

The Reds fell to a 2-0 home defeat against local derby rivals Hucknall Town last Saturday as a result of which they slipped to fourth in the Nationwide North table, but the Reds boss wasn't unduly worried.

"We didn't really do anything wrong in that game except fail to take our chances for once - especially in the first half when we had them on the rack," Lloyd said.

"There were one or two things which I want to fine tune and that we can improve on from that game although I am obviously not going to say what they are! We have already given Southport something to think about by beating them at home earlier in the season".

Despite atrocious weather conditions, Alfreton's best league crowd of the season of 837 on New Year's Day saw second half goals from Andy Todd (56) and Danny Bacon (74) swing the points the way of Hucknall, for whom it was an eighth win in nine games.

Lloyd's side have only won one of their last five league games but he feels they will still be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. He added: "The whole situation in the division is so tight it is unbelievable. There are only 12 points separating the top 14 teams and there is no doubt it is a lot tougher league than last year. We have taken 38 points from our first 21 games and if we can replicate that over the second half of the season, I think we will at least be in the play-offs if not higher.

"At the start of the season, if I had been offered fourth place at the turn of the New Year four points behind the leaders, and with games in hand on everybody around us, I would have grabbed it. We haven't had much luck on or off the pitch lately - not that I am using anything as an excuse - but we have not had the best of luck with injuries and I am still pursuing several other options."

Backing that up was the fact that right-back Carl Bradshaw had to withdraw after just 34 minutes of the Hucknall game through an ear and throat infection related illness. His availability this Saturday will have to be reviewed late in the week. However, Lloyd will have more options for the Southport trip - the second of at least eight games in the 31 days of January. The Reds boss is confident of Matt Fisher returning to action after missing the last four games through back and knee injuries and Ian Robinson will add his versatility after completing a one match suspension.

Following the trip to the league leaders, the Reds return to the Impact Arena next Tuesday for a first league clash of the season with Stafford Rangers (7.45pm).

Advance bookings

Transport for this Saturday's trip to top of the table Southport is 10am. Supporters should note that advanced booking is advisable for coach seats to the FA Trophy third round tie at Kettering Town on Saturday, January 15th. Bookings can be made by contacting either Mark Thorpe on 01773 836251 or Ian McRoy on 01246 861457 or 07944 727682. Departure time is 11am.

Managers Forum

The next Alfreton Town Manager's Forum has been arranged for Monday, January 17th in the Reds Bar on the ground. David Lloyd, Charlie Williamson and Dave Rushbury will all be in attendance and this time there will also be players available to question: Carl Bradshaw will be in attendance and two others to be confirmed.

The event starts at 8pm but doors are open from 7.15pm and admission is just 1 to cover the cost of a buffet. Admission is free for children under-16.

Reserves

Alfreton Town Reserves brought the curtain down on the year 2004 when they won 3-2 at Mickleover Sports Reserves last Wednesday evening in Midlands Regional Alliance Premier Division action. Goalscorers were Stephen Woolley, Russ Vinter and Wes Pierce who incredibly scored for the eighth game running. The Reserves are home to Borrowash Victoria Reserves this Saturday in a rearranged fixture (3pm).

The Reserves are still on the lookout for either a secretary or matchday secretary. All enquiries in the first instance to club secretary Tom Hill - 0788 5020797.

Under-19s

The Under-19s were in League Cup action on Wednesday evening of this week when they hosted Halifax Town in a third round tie. The next Under-19s action is on Tuesday January 12th when local derby rivals Belper Town visit the Impact Arena (7.45pm).