NORTH: Alfreton boss says "There will be changes"

After seeing his much-changed Alfreton Town side slip to a second successive defeat for the first time this season, Reds manager David Lloyd has promised the fans there will be changes.

Lloyd sat in the stands as he completed a two match touchline ban, and saw visitors Stafford Rangers make off with the points after an extremely rare error by goalkeeper Lee Butler.

Lloyd commented: "Lee has admitted it was his fault and apologised to the lads but it is just one of those things and we had to get on with it."

The Reds side against Stafford was much changed as the management tried to end their recent poor return from home games in particular.

Lloyd added: "We finished the last half hour of the Harrogate game with three strikers and I thought it worked well. We gave it another go against Stafford and I thought we did quite well but we certainly aren't getting the bounce of the ball in the opposing penalty area at the moment.

"I admit we felt we needed to change things around for this game and there will be more changes - some forced - over the next few games. Mitch Ward was left out as he had an impending suspension, one which means he will miss this Saturday's game. Matt Fisher and John Knapper still aren't fit and I thought Richard Cooper grabbed his chance and did very well in central midfield. Clubs from higher up than us are showing an interest in him and I am keen for him to stay with us.

"I have got to try and bring in a couple of people to freshen us up and see where it takes us. Obviously we can't do it for this Saturday but we are still talking to plenty of people and I am hopeful something will happen in the next week or so.

"At the end of the day we have got to keep battling away and hope we get a wee bit of good fortune which we haven't had recently. We have a lot of games coming up and we need to keep as many players with us as possible. Having said that, it might mean one or two going to accommodate more coming in" added the Reds boss.

FA Trophy
The Reds now turn their attentions to this Saturday's FA Trophy third round tie at Nationwide North leaders Kettering Town and Alfreton will be attempting to reach the fourth round of the competition for only the second time in the club's history. Lloyd ended: "It will be hard there because they are doing really well but we are more than capable of going there and winning."

Lloyd will be without Mitch Ward, Ryan Mallon - Halifax Town don't want him cup-tied, Carl Bradshaw, and possibly Matt Fisher, John Knapper and Emeka Nwadike who limped out of the Stafford game after twisting his left ankle. Both goalkeeper Gav Saxby and David Holmes are expected to be involved in the squad having returned to the Impact Arena from loan spells at Gresley Rovers.

Should the tie result in a replay, this will be staged at the Impact Arena next Tuesday evening (Jan 18th, 7.45pm).

Reserves
This Saturday the Reserves travel to face Cromford FC in Belfield Midlands Regional Alliance Premier Division action (2pm). An outstanding league fixture has been rearranged for Tuesday, January 26th when Mickleover Sports Reserves visit the Impact Arena (7.45pm).

Under-19s
The Under-19s have a home game against Belper Town on Wednesday evening of this week (12th, 7.45pm). The league games against Dunkirk on January 26th and February 2nd have been reversed with the Reds now visiting the Notts club on the 26th and hosting them on the 2nd.

Manager's Forum
Reds fans with anything on their mind are invited to attend the latest Manager's Forum next Monday (January 17th). The evening starts at 8pm with doors open from 7.15pm. Admission is just 1 to cover the costs of a buffet.

Attending to answer questions will be David Lloyd, Charlie Williamson, Dave Rushbury, Reserve team manager Kenny Geelan, U19s manager Mark Shaw and at least two players with Mick Godber and Carl Bradshaw already confirmed.