When Alfreton sealed their place in the Blue Square North play-offs with three league games still to play, manager Nicky Law promised there would be no let up in his team’s efforts.
While you may have been forgiven for writing this off as a manager saying what he has to say and going through the motions, Law has been as good as his word.
The Reds battled to a goalless draw in the local derby with Ilkeston at the weekend and then produced one of their performances of the season at league leaders Southport on Tuesday night.
More than 2000 fans crammed into Haig Avenue for a game that would have seen Southport crowned champions had they won, but Law’s men turned party poopers by fighting back from a goal down to win handsomely 3-1.
Southport must now wait until the final day of the season this weekend to claim the title, although whether they will start their game at Eastwood from top spot or playing catch up to Fleetwood will depend on the outcome of the second placed team’s appeal over the Farsley Celtic points deductions.
All points won by teams against Farsley were expunged from the record when they went bust earlier this season. A decision on whether to reinstate the points is expected today (Wednesday) with Fleetwood taking their case to Wembley for a hearing at 2.30pm. If the appeal succeeds the Blue Square North table would change dramatically with Fleetwood taking over at the top and Corby Town moving into the play off places with a game to go.
Alfreton would re-gain six points if they are reinstated but cannot move out of the play off positions in either direction regardless of the outcome.
Chairman Wayne Bradley said: “I would say the decision is 50/50, and it wouldn’t surprise me if there isn’t an appeal against the appeal from teams robbed of their place if it is allowed.
“Thankfully we know where we are. We had our anger and frustration with the decision when it was made. It has been left too long, it really should have and could have been dealt with weeks ago.”
The dates for the play-offs have now been set, and although Alfreton are now assured of a semi final tie with Workington they will only know if they are home or away first after the result of the appeal is announced and the final games played.
The Reds beat their Cumbrian counterparts 2-0 at the Impact Arena in February and drew 1-1 in the away game before Christmas but a terrific run of form, nine wins and a draw from their last ten games, makes Workington a form team to be feared in the end of season knock-out.
The first leg of the semi final will take place on Wednesday, April 28th, with the fifth placed team hosting the side in second and fourth playing third. The return legs will be on Sunday, May 2nd. The final will be at the ground of the higher placed team on Sunday, May 9th.
Representatives from the Ripley Hospital League of Friends, Valley Cids and the Friends of the Delves Special School charities will attend the game as guests of the club to receive their share of £2,000 from the FA Community Fund. Alfreton Town’s progress in the FA Cup this season entitled them to a share of the money from the Community Shield match to distribute out to charities in the local area and a presentation will be made on the pitch this Saturday.
