NORTH: Alfreton's strength in character showing

A week in football is a long time, just ask Alfreton Town...

In the space of the last seven days they have been on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline, hit back to take a good point from a 1-1 draw at second-placed Nuneaton Borough, seen a loan player return, welcomed one player back, had yet another player injured, seen another game postponed and look like parting with winger Chris Bettney.

Apart from the draw at Nuneaton, who have been in tremendous form of late, the other major bonus for the Reds is the return of Ian Robinson who recovered in double quick time from ankle ligament damage.

Monday night's Nationwide North game at Ashton United was called off due to a frozen pitch but there wouldn't have been many tears from the Alfreton camp as it would have been a demanding third away game in six days.

As it is, that cancellation gave manager David Lloyd some crucial time to catch his own breath and recharge his squad's fitness levels before they start out on a five games in 14 days schedule.

The next busy run of matches starts this Saturday with a home game against fourth-placed Droylsden, one of the division’s most attack-minded and entertaining sides. Three days later sees a trip to league leaders Southport; the following Saturday another promotion/play-off chasing club, Altrincham, are at the Impact Arena. The following Tuesday the Reds host another top five club in Kettering Town before the long trek to take on Barrow a fortnight on the Saturday.

The chairman's call last week for a positive response to the Hucknall debacle was provided by the players in the draw at Nuneaton last Saturday as the undoubted character in the Reds squad emerged again. Lloyd's squad is full of characters and his options are growing stronger again with Carl Bradshaw and Ian Robinson already back from injury and John Knapper probably back for this Saturday's intriguing clash against Droylsden.

That leaves just Mark Blount, for whom an x-ray last Sunday showed there were no broken bones in a shin injury, and Mitch Ward as the only two players to come back into the fray this season. However, Lloyd - who saw Michael Simpkins return to Burton Albion after his month's loan expired - knows he is in need of more numbers in his squad which can have a major say over the next few busy weeks as to which teams, including themselves, gain play-off spots.

His own efforts to bring newcomers in have been frustratingly thwarted over the past couple of weeks, in one instance only stalling at the dotting of the i's and crossing of t's stage, but the club have put in seven days' notice of approach for another Nationwide North player and are very busy tracking other targets.

While a lot has happened in the last seven days and life is going to be hectic for the next fortnight, the Reds are very much in the mood for it. Who knows what the next week will bring. One thing for sure is that the Reds will be raring to go this Saturday as they seek to avenge the narrow 3-2 defeat at Droylsden a couple of weeks ago.

Transfer list
Winger Chris Bettney has been placed on the transfer list following an angry exchange with Reds boss David Lloyd during half-time of the 4-0 defeat at Hucknall last week. He did not re-appear for the second half of that game and was conspicuous by his absence from the squad at Nuneaton last Saturday.

Reds chairman Wayne Bradley confirmed: "There was a difference of opinion between player and manager, and in this instance the football club will support the manager. It would appear that Chris Bettney has probably kicked his last ball for the club. This football club will not tolerate a player voicing an opinion, be it right or wrong, in the manner in which that particular player did. Bettney has been placed on the transfer list, but the club will recognise him to be the good asset that he is, and it will require a fair offer to secure his release. He won’t be leaving on the cheap."

For the record, prior to the Nuneaton Borough game, Bettney had made 126 appearances (12 as substitute) which put him 43rd in the all time club appearances listings. He had scored a total of 19 goals for the club, six this season.

Top of the table clashes
The Reds face two top four clashes in four days starting this Saturday with a home game against fourth-placed Droylsden at the Impact Arena (3pm kick-off). Under-16s can again obtain free entry to this match if accompanied by a paying adult. Then next Tuesday the Reds visit top of the table Southport (7.45pm). Transport for this game will depart at 4pm from North Street and places can be booked by contacting Mark Thorpe on 01773 836251 or Ian McRoy on 01246 861457 or 07944727682.

Reserves
Alfreton Town Reserves went to the top of the Belfield Midlands Regional Alliance Premier Division last Wednesday after a 3-0 home win over Ashover. Adam Tyler scored a brace for the Reds with Wes Pierce on the scoresheet again, notching his 18th goal in a 13-game consecutive scoring spree. His run ended last Saturday however in a 3-1 home defeat by Ilkeston Town Reserves, the Reds reply coming from Shaun Bainbridge.

Wednesday evening's scheduled home game against Borrowash Victoria Reserves was cancelled due to the snow this week, as was the Under-19s trip to Matlock Town the same evening. The Reserves are due to travel to Wirksworth Town in league action this Saturday.

Quiz Night
The Reds’ Supporters Association are holding a quiz night this Friday night in the Reds bar. The event is open to anyone, starts at 7.30pm, is for teams of three members with an entry fee of just 7#163;3 per team. The first half of the quiz will be general knowledge with the second sessions more sport related. Medals will be presented to the winners and runners-up and a trophy for the victors (kindly sponsored by S & B Trophies, Clay Cross) which will be kept 'in house'. Quizmaster for the night is Radio Derby's James Phillips and there is also a prize draw on the night with several prizes already donated. Entries can be pre-booked by contacting organiser Ian McRoy on 01246 861457 mobile 07944727682 or by simply turning up on the night.

50/50 Draw
As from this Saturday's home game with Droylsden, the club's expanding 50/50 Draw will have an additional second prize in the shape of an autographed football signed by Alfreton Town players and the manager.