NORTH: "Fans have never had it so good" says Alfreton boss

As Alfreton Town return to the Impact Arena this Saturday for their first home outing in over four weeks, their recent exploits on their travels have ensured that FA Cup fever is gripping the area.

Victories in the last month at Matlock Town and Cammell Laird have earned a mouthwatering fourth qualifying round cup clash at local derby rivals Worksop Town a week on Saturday to contest a place in the first round proper, a feat the club have not achieved for 31 years.

But before that, Reds manager David Lloyd (pictured) is keen to see his side continue their seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions and strengthen their lead at the top of Nationwide North with two home games in four days against Lancaster City on Saturday and Nuneaton Borough next Tuesday.

The Reds boss said: "While it has been a while since we played at home, I just hope the people who witnessed the 4-0 home league win over Runcorn on Friday, September 24th will remember what an excellent show the team put on. We can't wait to get back and entertain the home fans again. We have worked out our own winning formula from within our limitations and it will be up to another big city club - Lancaster City - to come and try and work out how to undo it this Saturday.

"We have come so far in the past three years it is staggering to think that each game now is against big city clubs instead of the Welfare sides from our Counties days. But we have built up a sound squad with very good ability and lots of quality and I don't think our fans have ever had it so good."

Lancaster will arrive at the Impact Arena on Saturday still smarting from the Reds doing the double over them last season. And it has already been shown by big names Kettering Town and Worcester City that they were happy to take a league point from the Reds despite both being at home! Such is the extent of Alfreton's respect these days.

That respect has spread far and wide throughout Non League circles but still appears to be misunderstood by the town's own folk. Lloyd appealed: "We are currently enjoying good options in a quality squad but this can only continue to be kept in place as long as the cup run goes on and I will be looking to make significant progress in the FA Trophy as well. To everyone who couldn't find the time or costs to travel to Kettering, Worcester or Liverpool last Saturday, I say we are back on your doorstep, please come and see what all the fuss is about.

"It defies logic and explanation to know how we are doing so well on limited resources. We are top of the league and deserve to be there. All I can do is hope that we get more through the gate starting with this Saturday. It would be great if we can attract a thousand through the gate over the next two games. That would give us such a lift to know we can attract enough support to give us a chance of sustaining a serious challenge for not only the title but beyond.

"If we had the support levels equal to that of our challengers, we would be able to make confident and positive statements about what we thought we could sustain and achieve. As it is, we are hanging in there and I hope we can get a good reaction to the success of our travels" ended Lloyd.

The manager has shrewdly been playing the squad rotation game in recent weeks with several big name players having to settle for places on the bench and sometimes not even on it. People shouldn't underestimate the value of the squad game theory which was never more evident than last Saturday when the Reds trailed 2-0 after 52 minutes at Cammell Laird to stare an FA Cup humbling squarely in the face. The Reds boss made three inspired substitutions and went for broke with Mark Sale at the sharp end of a 3-4-3 formation. The giant striker scored once, and set up Mick Godber's second of two goals for the winner on 89 minutes.

Lloyd has also been loaning out players to maintain match sharpness and his selection headaches will increase for the Lancaster game with the news that Mick Goddard will return to the squad as his loan period at Stocksbridge Park Steels ends this Friday. Winger Paul Riley has been allowed to join Ilkeston Town to gain match fitness with the Reds still retaining his Conference registration.

Other Alfreton Town news

Alfreton Town have their first home outing in over a month this Saturday as Lancaster City visit the Impact Arena in Nationwide North action (3pm).

Reds boss David Lloyd will have to wait for a late fitness test on influential midfielder Mitch Ward who suffered a blow to the ribs during last Saturday's FA Cup win at Cammell Laird.

But as the Reds look to extend their seven match unbeaten run, Lloyd has increased options up front following the return of striker Mick Goddard after a month's loan spell.

Reds from: Butler, Robinson, Bradshaw, Chapman, Blount, Brown, Hume, Ward, Knapper, Nwadike, Fisher, Dolby, Duffield, Bettney, Sale, Godber, Goddard, Holmes.

Another big name
Next Tuesday (Oct 26th) the Reds host another big name with former Conference club Nuneaton Borough at the Impact Arena (7.45pm) in Nationwide North action.

Reserves
Alfreton Town Reserves produced a terrific 3-0 win at Midlands Regional Alliance Premier Division title favourites Ashover last Saturday. Goals came from Danny Bainbridge (2) and West Pierce. This Saturday the Reserves will be bidding for an eighth consecutive victory when they visit Borrowash Victoria Reserves in league action (3pm).

Under-19s
The Under-19s continued their 100 per cent start to the season with a 2-1 victory at Gresley Rovers in the FA Youth Cup 2nd qualifying round last Wednesday. Callum Flanagan and Chris Avery got the goals. The young Reds travel to Stratford Town in the 3rd qualifying round. The U19s were scheduled to host Middlewood Rovers at the Impact Arena in league action on Wednesday evening of this week.

Coaching courses
Alfreton Town's Football in the Community are staging two one-day half-term courses at the Impact Arena, North Street. On Thursday (Oct 28th) there is a specialist Goalkeeping Course. The fee for this course is 10 per entrant. Friday, October 29th sees a Fun Day featuring coaching, games and prizes to be won. The entrance fee for this day is just 5 per entrant. Both courses are open to 5-16 age groups and run from 10am to 2pm. A packed lunch and drink as well as kit are required by all attendees. All bookings can be made through the Reds Football in the Community officer Jason Maybury on 07949718525.