Pit Villagers Pinch Play-Off Spot.

A review of Alfreton Town's 2022/23 Season.

Alfreton Town 2022/23

Alfreton Town have just had their most successful season since returning to the National League North following relegation from what is now the National League in 2014/15. The fact that they achieved this in a strong division with full time teams, against clubs with bigger budgets and larger fan bases deserves some recognition.

The side that Billy Heath has put together since his arrival in 2018 plays a physical style of football but isn't short of flair players. Billy has nurtured a togetherness amongst players, staff, volunteers, officials and supporters which was evident at games home and away last season.

Here's my take on Alfreton's best season since their Blue Square Premier (National League) days.

A 9^th place finish the previous season gave some optimism to Reds fans of a flirt, at least, with the play-offs. Pre-season saw eight players recruited, replacing the 8 that had left. In came goalkeeper Jake Askew who had been released by Barnet. Oliver Brown & George Cantrill from relegated Guiseley, Lewis Whitham who had been at Liversedge in 2021/22, Brad Dockerty from Bradford PA, Fraser Preston, Boston United, Henri Wilder who had played for Tamworth the previous season and a late Summer signing, former Red, Tom Denton who had left Chesterfield. The signing of Tom Denton got supporters wondering how he would fit in with Matt Rhead up front as both were perfect in the target man role providing knock downs for teammates.

The National League North was increased to 24 teams (22 in the previous season) and 4 teams would be relegated compared to just the one previously.

August.

The season proper started with a home game against Chester who would have been disappointed with a 16^th place finish the previous season and would start the season as one of the favourites for at least a play off place, more for the fact of their large fan base than anything they had shown on the pitch.

Matt Rhead was missing through injury and there were debuts for George Cantrill, Fraser Preston, Tom Denton, his 3^rd debut for the club, plus debut appearances as subs for Lewis Witham and Brad Dockerty. Chester went into a 2-0 lead by the 23^rd minute with goals from Kurt Willoughby and Joe Lynch. Alfreton had chances themselves by the time the 2^nd goal went in and did manage to pull one back when Tom Denton headed home after 28 minutes. A better and more dominant performance from the Reds in the 2^nd half was rewarded when Denton got a 92^nd minute equaliser which was disputed by Chester but the linesman ruled it had crossed the line before keeper Harry Tyrer, on loan from Everton had clawed it out.

Tom Denton scored 2 in the opening game at Chester.

It was a decent start to the season, a point against one of the fancied sides and good to see Tom Denton get a brace on his return.

Tom had a chance in the next game to give the Reds all 3 points at Farsley Celtic but saw his penalty saved as the game ended 0-0. Henri Wilder making his debut for the Reds in this game.

Another goalless draw came at Spennymoor Town and for those of us that remember heavy defeats against Spenny it was a sign that this side was capable of competing with some decent sides in what is a really good level of the pyramid. The point at Spenny was even more impressive when you consider that Conor Branson was sent off after 23 minutes. The club appealed his dismissal which was then rescinded.

After three draws a couple of substantial victories came. Firstly, an emphatic 4-0 win at home to Southport which saw the Reds 3-0 ahead at half time and included a 30 yard strike from Dayle Southwell to double our lead after Bailey Hobson, last season’s top scorer, had given us the lead. Fraser Preston headed the 3^rd. After the break Dayle Southwell got his 2^nd and our 4^th with a tap in following some bad defending. If the 4 goal margin of victory wasn’t enough for Alfreton’s fans the return as a sub of Matt Rhead in the 83^rd minute was the cherry on top moment.

Following that first win of the season was a 3-1 win at Kettering Town with Southwell, Hobson and Denton all scoring again. Dayle scored by following up from an 8^th minute penalty he had saved by Kettering’s Cameron Gregory. It was 1-1 at the break but a commanding display from our heroes in the second half saw goals from Bailey Hobson & Dents seal the points.

In between the wins over Southport and Kettering Oliver Brown, who we had signed from Guiseley in the Summer, joined Atherton Collieries on an initial short term loan. Oliver had only been an unused sub in 1 Reds game at this point and came back to make 2 sub appearances throughout the season, both at home, the 1-0 win over Brackley Town and the 3-0 win over Buxton. Oliver also returned to spend most of the season at Colls and helped them avoid relegation from the Northern Premier League Premier Division and has been offered terms with us for 2023/24.

Oliver Brown, went on loan to Atherton Collieries.

That 5 game unbeaten start saw us in 4^th position but the final game in August ended with our first defeat, 0-2 in the Bank Holiday game at home to Chorley. The Magpies took a 1-0 lead midway through the second half and try as we might to get an equaliser a 90^th minute 2^nd goal for the visitors saw us fall to defeat and end the month 7^th in the NL North table.

Bailey Hobson watches the Chorley play bring the ball down.

September.

In the 5 games September brought there was just the solitary win for the Reds, a 1-0 home victory over Brackley Town though there was no shortage of drama, joy and disappointment.

For the first game of the month, a 1-1 home draw at home to Hereford, Billy brought Matt Rhead in for his first start following 3 sub appearances. The Reds early goal by Bailey Hobson was cancelled out by a Ryan McLean goal for the Bulls and despite some good chances throughout the game we were grateful to see Jack Evans blaze over the bar in a late chance for the visitors.

The scheduled game the following Saturday at Boston United was postponed as the FA deemed football the only sport not to continue following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

A minutes silence was held for the monarch in our next 2 games, a 2-3 defeat at title favourites Kings Lynn Town and the FA Cup 2^nd Qualifying Round tie at Buxton. Matt Rhead scored after just 3 minutes at the Silverlands but despite the great start it was the Bucks who went through with a 2-1 win inspired by new signing and former Red, Scott Boden. A disappointing FA Cup campaign again lasting just 1 game.

During this period there was some player movement as Brad Dockerty was sold back to Bradford Park Avenue on the 10th. Brad was a talented player but had only managed 3 sub appearances and I guess wanting regular football was a major factor in his return to Bradford. On the 11^th we signed Mo Nije from Stafford Rangers but Mo never made an appearance for us and towards the end of October he signed for Bromsgrove Sporting.

On the 14^th Luke Ward arrived from Taunton Town and on the 24^th Ahmed Salam, who had been at Hull City the previous season was brought in.

Brad Dockerty returned to Bradford PA in September.

Ahmed made his debut that day in the victory over Brackley Town and made an impression immediately. He had a header narrowly miss the goal and was brought down for the penalty which Matt Rhead smashed home.

Fraser Preston takes a free kick in the 1-0 victory over Brackley Town.

The month was to end in dramatic style as Peterborough Sports arrived at the Impact for a first meeting between the clubs. Fraser Preston gave us the lead on 37 minutes but this was cancelled out on 57 by Ryan Fryatt. It looked like Sports had won the game as they took an 87^th minute lead with a penalty put away by Dan Lawler only for super Matt Rhead to equalise in the 94^th minute.

The late equaliser at home to Peterborough Sports.

A mixed bag for the Reds saw us end the month in 11^th position and out of the FA Cup but on the bright side, the never say die attitude that Billy Heath has instilled in the side was evident, Matt Rhead was back and Ahmed Salam looks a quality signing.

Matt Rhead was back in the side by September.

October.

A free day on the first Saturday in the month due to the FA Cup exit we had to wait until the 8^th for a game and what drama there was at Leamington as we came from 1 down to win 2-1. Ben Usher Shipway gave Leamington the lead after rounding George Willis and shooting past a defender on the line. We had to wait for the second half for an explosion of activity. Firstly, Dwayne Wiley smashed home from 20 yards for the equaliser on 52 minutes. The winner came on 70 due to quick thinking from George Willis after making a save, he got the ball up front quickly where Bailey Hobson took possession and shot past the keeper into the far corner. The goals were done for by now but in the last 20 minutes 3 players were sent off by referee Rogers. Edwards was sent off for Leamington for elbowing Dwayne Wiley on 71 minutes. Matt Rhead got a 2^nd yellow for his sending off on 78 minutes and the home sides Jack Lane also got 2 yellows, his dismissal coming in added time.

Prior to the Leamington game we signed promising youngster Bailey Conway from Rossington Main. Bailey made just 2 sub appearances for us, away at AFC Fylde and the Derbyshire Senior Cup tie at home to Ilkeston Town before signing for Gainsborough Trinity on 16^th December.

Bailey Conway, made 2 sub appearances then moved to Gainsborough.

The visit of Gloucester City ended in defeat on a frustrating afternoon for Alfreton. Multiple fouls on Tom Denton were not only not given but in some cases free kicks were awarded to the visitors. It was, though, a below par showing from us as 2 sloppy goals gave City a 2-0 lead after 24 minutes. George Willis did pull off a fantastic save tipping the ball around the post but it was from the resulting corner that Gloucester took the lead. Danny Preston pulled one back on 30 minutes and 2 very good chances were cleared off the line in the 2^nd half to see us pointless on the day.

The following 3 games in October saw us go unbeaten. Firstly a 2-2 draw at Croft Park to bring a point back from Blyth Spartans. The home side hadn’t won at home since August and would have been confident of a win as they led 2-1 going into added time, that was until Matt Rhead stroked home a 99^th minute penalty after Rhys Evans had tripped Danny Preston.

Croft Park, Blyth Spartans.

Next, two much needed wins were gained, firstly, in a midweek game at the Impact against Scarborough we managed a 2-0 win and the following Saturday old foes and struggling this season, AFC Telford, were seen off 2-1 at The New Bucks Head in new manager Kevin Wilkin’s first home game in charge.

George Cantrill & Dom Smith scored the goals to beat Scarborough.

At the end of the month Luke Ward was released. Luke made 1 full appearance for the Reds, in the 1-2 home defeat to Gloucester City, and 1 sub appearance in the win at Leamington. Luke signed for Redditch United a week after leaving us and finished the season at Sporting Khalsa.

So, October saw us collect a few more points with just the 1 defeat and some inspiring performances showing the never give up attitude of the side as we ended the month in 5^th.

November.

November was a month that saw Billy tweak the squad and a terrible run of results saw just 1 point picked up.

Defeat at Boston United set us off. Always a difficult game against one of the North’s bigger clubs we have had wins in this part of Lincolnshire previously but they’re not common. A 1-0 loss in a midweek trek wasn’t a surprise but after a decent October more was hoped for.

We faced Darlington away twice in 11 days and conceded 7 goals to another of the North’s top clubs. A 3-1 defeat in the league game, where the floodlights went out for a 16 minute delay, was followed by another cup competition defeat at the first stage as Darlo hammered us 4-1 in the FA Trophy. 3 goals in a 13 minute spell in the first half was the architect of this defeat and the second half sending off of Adam Lund didn’t help either.

In between the 2 trips to Darlo we got our only point against Bradford Park Avenue. The keepers were the stars of the show both making impressive saves to keep the game goalless.

Billy was active in moving people out and recruiting 2 class players in November. First out the door was Henri Wilder who went on loan to Ilkeston Town which eventually became permanent after making 7 appearances for us.

Henri Wilder went on loan to Ilkeston Town, later made permanent, after 8 appearances for the Reds.

Next 2 really good players left the Impact, Fraser Preston and Lewis Witham. Fraser made 13 full appearances and 5 sub plus scored 2 goals for us following his move from Boston United. He was a regular starter but after the defeat to Gloucester had mostly been used as a sub and moved to Gainsborough Trinity.

Fraser Preston, made 13 + 5 sub appearances and scored 2 goals then moved to Gainsborough.

Lewis only made 2 full appearances and 6 sub following his move from Liversedge but was a promising player who a lot of us were sorry to see move to Guiseley. In March Lewis was injured in a game against Marine which saw Guiseley start a crowd funding page to raise the £8,500 for his operation which they announced a few weeks later they had achieved.

Lewis Witham moved to Guiseley after only 2 full appearances.

If we were disappointed that those players had left we were comforted with 2 permanent and 1 loan signing this month. Firstly, Jordan Thewlis was signed from Spennymoor Town and made his debut in the 0-0 draw with Bradford PA. Next through the incoming was Jay McGrath on loan from Coventry City. Jay made just 2 appearances both in cup competitions. He made his debut in the 4-1 FA Trophy defeat to Darlington and came on as a sub against Ilkeston Town, scoring our 3^rd goal in a 6-1 win before returning to the Sky Blues.

Jordan Thewlis can't contain his joy at signing for the Reds.

Jay McGrath celebrates his goal v Ilkeston.

Last but certainly not least Yusifu Ceesay returned from Kidderminster Harriers who he joined in the Summer. Yusifu made his second debut for us in the last game of the month, a 0-2 defeat to AFC Fylde who would go on to win the title.

Yusifu Ceesay returned to the Impact from Kidderminster Harriers.

A bad month result wise as we dropped to 13^th following that defeat at AFC Fylde but what a month for signings as Ceesay and Thewlis would become major players in our successful season.

December.

December was brief in terms of games, just 3 due to postponements, but we eventually got back to winning ways though not until we got a really good point against Kidderminster Harriers at the Impact. A defensive error led to Kiddy taking the lead and Milan Butterfield was sent off for 2 yellows all before the break. Then just after the break keeper George Willis had to be replaced, handing Jake Askew his debut. This side of ours though don’t give up, they may have bad days but you can’t fault their determination to work for every point for the management, club and it’s fans and it was that attitude that helped secure a point when Rheady scored in the 86^th minute.

Matt Rhead follows up his saved penalty to equalise v Kiddy.

We faced football free days in December due to unfit pitches (Chester), opposition being in their County Cup (Spennymoor) and being knocked out of the FA Trophy (us). So, after the point against Kiddy our next game was the Derbyshire Senior Cup 3^rd Round tie at home to Ilkeston Town. The Robins, on the fringes of the play offs in the Southern League Premier Central, were expected to provide a tough test so to win 6-1 was a bit of a shock. Jake Askew made his full debut, Jay McGrath made the last of his 2 appearances from the bench and scored his only goal for the club and Milan Butterfield scored his only goal of the season.

Jay McGrath's shot goes in the net to make it 3-1 v Ilkeston.

It’s doubtful that whatever Reds fans got for Christmas it surely couldn’t beat the 3 points and win over Buxton on Boxing Day. George Willis was fit again and in a niggly game which saw 5 bookings before half time it was sweet revenge for the Reds after the FA Cup defeat that saw us triumph 3-0. Ollie Brown made one of his sub appearances in between his spell at Atherton Collieries.

Bailey Hobson on the ball at home to Buxton.

There was a late addition to the squad as Tom Leak joined on loan from Kidderminster on the 29^th, though Tom never made an appearance for us. He was an unused sub 4 times before his loan ended and he returned to Kiddy. Tom joined Boston United when his contract at Kiddy expired.

With just two league games played this month there was little opportunity to progress in the positioning and we remained in 13^th place.

National League North Table 31st December 2022.

January.

Being mid-table in the New Year was a fair position for the side who had shown some good glimpses of quality, plenty of resilience but with an inconsistency and a lack of goals was a concern. No club above us in the table had scored less than our 29 goals from 22 games at this point and flirting with the play offs but just not quite managing to consolidate a top 7 placing seemed our destiny.

If the strikers weren’t knocking them in though then our defence came to the fore this month as just 1 goal was conceded in 5 games in which we were unbeaten. Having a settled side helped as there were few changes, though an injury to Conor Branson saw Adam Lund claim the number 8 shirt.

New Years Day saw the return against Buxton who would have been looking for a quick revenge from the 3 goal beating they had at the Impact. In an entertaining game where both sides missed chances it was a good point away from home for the Reds in a goalless game which was far from boring.

Back to the Impact the following Saturday and a tough Farsley Celtic side came and gave us a good test in a game that struggled to sparkle but a late goal from Dwayne Wiley saw another clean sheet and 3 more points with Billy getting a red card in added time for dissent.

A week later and it was off to Chorley who have been one of our more difficult opponents in recent years. Another clean sheet in a game where all the entertainment was in the first half and only remained goalless due to some heroic saves from George Willis and Chorley’s keeper, Matt Urwin.

We had to wait a fortnight for our next football fix due to postponements all over the country and in particular our game at Southport. So it was struggling Kettering Town who rolled up at the Impact and can feel lucky that they only lost 2-0. Matt Rhead gave us a 7^th minute lead and we only got our 2^nd on 75 minutes when Dayle Southwell got up from being cynically chopped down in the box to score from the spot. It was Kettering’s on loan keeper from Derby County, Harrison Foulkes, who kept the score down along with the frame of the goal.

Jordan Thewlis gets a shot at the Kettering goal.

The final game of the month was a midweek trek to Chester which saw our only goal conceded in the month and it came in the 94^th minute to break Alfreton hearts and stop a memorable victory.

An unbeaten January gleaning 9 points from 5 games saw us move up to 11^th. A possibility of the play offs was now in people’s minds especially for the fans watching us go toe to toe with clubs with bigger budgets and fan bases than ours. The side was gelling, Billy had a style of play that upset opponents and it wasn’t that we lacked quality we have players who can run and take players on as well as mixing it in the physical side.

Manager Billy Heath seems pleased with how the season is going so far.

February.

Our mini unbeaten run came to an end in February but not before we extended it to 9 in all competitions with a 3-1 victory over Boston United. United at the bottom end of the table and fearing a relegation fight took the lead and looked good value for it. It didn’t last long though as George Cantrill was fouled in the box and Matt Rhead passed the ball to Boston’s keeper Tiernan Brooks who palmed it back to Matt and he stroked it home calm as you like. Jordan Thewlis scored twice to seal the victory, the first a cheeky little flick from a trademark Adam Lund long throw and his 2^nd was from a great corner from Danny Preston. Goalkeeping coach Adam Sollitt was sent off from the dug out for the Reds, presumably for something he said to the officials, and here’s me thinking Sol is a calm and quiet sort of guy.

Jordan Thewlis, almost horizontal, scores his first v Boston United.

Adam Sollitt and Oliver Rowley part of the backroom team.

Frustration sums up the defeat that ended that 9 game unbeaten run. Curzon Ashton came, frustrated us, played to their game plan, just like we do ours, and stole the points. I have a lot of respect for Curzon, similar to us in size and fan base, we’ve both been in the Northern Premier Division 1 together and punching above our weight in this division so I say good luck to them. Of course I didn’t think that on February 7^th but I’ve calmed down now. It started so well too, Jordan Thewlis scored after just 82 seconds to give us the lead but a goal against the run of play and a winner with 12 minutes to go not long after Dwayne Wiley was sent off for 2 bookings in a game that will be remembered for the referees decisions more than anything.

Dwayne Wiley leaves the pitch after his sending off v Curzon.

A decent point at another former League club, Hereford, in a goalless encounter which wasn’t the best of games but was a pleasing point, more so for us than the home side.

Next up though was old foes AFC Telford United who were having a dreadful season. Kevin Wilkin had taken over following his dismissal from Brackley Town but he wasn’t working his magic at the Bucks Head.

Despite Telford being at the bottom of the league and our domination of the first half we only managed to get the win with an 86^th minute goal from Jordan Thewlis. The main reason we failed to score was the performance from Wolves on loan keeper Joe Young who was outstanding.

AFC Telford on loan keeper, Joe Young, saves Conor Branson's header.

Two away games finished the month off, firstly, a first ever visit to Scarborough and their new ground. Reds fought well but on the night the best team won as we fell to a 2-0 defeat. The final game was a quick turn around against Curzon and some revenge was taken as we managed a 1-0 win thanks to Matt Rhead’s 61^st minute penalty in what was described as a “hotly contested affair”.

A first ever trip to Scarborough Athletic ended in defeat.

Billy brought in 3 players this month to strengthen the squad. There was a double loan deal on the 10^th that saw Connor Teale come from Fleetwood Town and Charlie Winfield from Barnsley. Connor and Charlie both made their debut in the goalless draw at Hereford and this turned out to be Charlie’s only appearance for us. He was sent out on loan by Barnsley to build up his fitness after being out with a long term knee injury. Connor ended up having his stay extended and played 19 times for the Reds and made his Football League debut for Fleetwood upon his return to them, against Ipswich Town. The final new lad was Peter Dearle who had been playing in America prior to signing for us.

Connor Teale, 19 appearances on loan from Fleetwood Town.

Peter Dearle, 6 (+2 sub) appearances & 1 goal.

February ended with the Reds in 8^th position just 1 place and 4 points from the play offs with games in hand over all but the top 2 of those clubs above them.

March.

There were 14 league games to fit in before the season ends in April and we were still in the Derbyshire Senior Cup. It was the 4^th round tie in that competition which started March off as we entertained Derby County’s Academy side. I’ve seen their games in the Senior Cup billed as Academy, U21 and also U23 but anyway, it was a young Derby side who came to Alfreton for this incredible tie.

Derby went into a 2-0 lead despite Alfreton having more possession. Rams keeper Harry Evans played a blinder though was lucky to only be yellow carded after handling outside his area as early as the 9^th minute.

From 2-0 down the Reds were 5-2 ahead by the 74^th minute as Bailey Hobson rounded off our scoring. Despite trailing 5-2 I was impressed how the young Rams dealt with our physical approach, it didn’t intimidate them and they gave as good back, mind you we were also giving them a thrashing on the pitch, then it all sort of went to pieces. We let them come at us, didn’t stop the crosses and from the 88th minute until the ref blew for full time they scored 3 times to make it 5-5 and force the game to penalties. Of course the youngsters fairytale continued and they triumphed 5-3 to set up a quarter final with Belper Town. It defied logic, if you were a Rams fan it was the beautiful game performing it’s magic. It was a makeshift Alfreton side in terms of giving some players a rest and letting the fringe players get a game but even so you shouldn’t lose a game after leading by 3 goals in the 88^th minute. One of those, “I was there” games. To make matters worse Jordan Thewlis lasted 13 minutes after coming on as a sub and went off injured.

Bailey Hobson scores Alfreton's 5th v Derby County Academy.

Talking of those “I was there” games. Darlington were next up, they’d scored 7 goals in 2 games against us at their place already this season and soon made that 9 goals as they were 2-0 up after 17 minutes. I distinctly remember sitting there thinking “this is going to be 5 or 6” the Darlo counter attack was that good. Then I was reminded by our lads that this is Alfreton 2023 we’re watching, we don’t just bloody lie down, and they didn’t. We got a grip on the game, the Darlo fans were rattled despite still having that 2 goal cushion and guess who was coming in for most of the stick, that’s right, Rheady. He just got on with his game as the taunts came as so often they do from former big clubs who remember Matt from his and their clubs Football League days. So, when he put a bullet header past their keeper on the stroke of half time the Darlo fans probably looked on in awe and remembered what a bloody good opponent he is, shhh.

Yusifu Ceesay fires home the equaliser v Darlington.

The second half was all Alfreton and it was that man Rhead who flicked on a long punt forward from George into the path of Yusifu Ceesay who fired home, 2-2 against Darlington in a game we should have won but we’ll take that one. A great performance against a top side, though, admittedly, on the slide a little.

A memorable event happened prior to the Darlington game when international Reds fan Cristobal Novo Gonzalvo from Barcelona visited for the game the weekend of his stag do. Unbeknown to Cristobal his mates had arranged for him to be mascot for the day where he led the Reds out of the tunnel, shook hands with the officials and captains and got a lovely hug from Billy Heath.

The visit went worldwide as a news item and was a wonderful fun event for Cristobal, his mates and, of course, our club.

Cristobal leads out the teams at the Impact.

Shaking hands with the officials.

Cristobal gets a warm welcome from Billy Heath.

Two home games followed that Darlo game. Firstly Banbury United visited for the first time and went away with a 2-0 defeat in a feisty game at times, under the lights. The clean sheet in no small part due to George Willis who saved a penalty.

AFC Fylde then turned up, chasing the title alongside Kings Lynn. I thought we were unlucky not to get a point as Fylde only managed to score in the 80th minute through former Aston Villa striker Nathan Delfouneso to give the Coasters a 1-0 win which went to their title winning tally.

Yusifu goes close to an equaliser v AFC Fylde.

Two decent points away from home in 0-0 draws at Southport and Kidderminster Harriers came prior to our final game of the month in a home game against Spennymoor Town. Spenny have given us some good hidings in the past but today was our day as we won 3-2 following a very good performance in which Matt could even miss a penalty. We scored 3 goals in the first 28 minutes and though Spenny made it 3-2 by the 69^th minute we were worthy winners.

1-0 Dwayne Wiley scores v Spennymoor after 2 minutes

2-0 Matt Rhead fires home on 13 minutes v Spennymoor.

3-0 Dom Smith celebrates his 28th minute goal v Spennymoor.

That win saw us finish the month in 8^th position, still just outside the play offs but with games in hand.

The only player movement this month saw James Oliver sign for Belper Town. James made just 1 appearance for us, in the Derbyshire Senior Cup tie v Derby County.

April.

As we moved towards the end of the season Alfreton were in a great position. A 2-0 home win over Leamington got the month off to a great start and pushed the Reds into the play offs with at least one game in hand over everyone above them. We were one of three clubs on 60 points with the Reds better goal difference giving them the higher spot.

That coveted play-off spot was consolidated with a Good Friday win at Peterborough Sports, the Reds coming from 1 down to win 2-1.

Easter Monday was a different matter as Kings Lynn Town came to the Impact and took the points following 2 Jack Coulson goals. That win taking the Linnets top of the table and Alfreton out of the top 7.

Dayle Southwell in action v Kings Lynn Town.

The next 2 games were tough encounters with the Reds not being at their best and the long season was beginning to tell on tired, part time players. First up, Gloucester City, one point better off than the Reds, came to town and despite having the better chances and more possession, were gutted to see sub Jordan Thewlis score in the 82^nd minute to earn us a draw that didn’t look possible earlier in the game.

The following midweek and a first ever trip to the traditional old ground of Banbury United. A game of very few chances, particularly for the Reds saw us 1-0 down until an unlikely goal was scored even later than against Gloucester by that man again, Jordan Thewlis. It was enough to take us back up to 7^th and in the final play-off position.

The home terracing at Banbury United.

With 3 games to go we had games lined up against two sides fighting to stay up before a final day fixture at play-off chasing Brackley Town.

The home game against Blyth Spartans saw a better performance from the Reds but this was nothing to how fired up the Spartans seemed, this side weren't going to roll over for us and were fighting for their National League North status. There were 2 incidents in the game that stick in my memory bank.

Firstly, Spartans forward, Main, rounded George and shot towards the goal from an angle, it was obviously going to give the visitors the lead but, seemingly, from nowhere was Dwayne Wiley to clear off the line. Dwayne showed a great positional sense to race back as soon as George was beaten. It summed up this sides fighting spirit, never say die attitude, however you want to describe it, this was it.

Dwayne Wiley clears off the line v Blyth Spartans.

The next incident was a game changer and totally unfair on Blyth. I was near the goal as we were attacking the Tin End when Bailey Hobson had the ball on the left. He crossed into the box but the ball was handled by the Blyth defender. I remember seeing it hit him but was only aware it was handball when the ref gave a free kick to us. Next, the ref was talking to his linesman and he then awarded a penalty. Mayhem. It took around 5 minutes for the ref to clear the penalty area and Rheady to retrieve the ball and get it on the spot such was the displeasure amongst Blyth’s contingent, on and off the pitch. While this was going on the lino asked me if I’d got a photo of the handball, which I hadn’t, he then said, “I just hope it was in the area”. Amazing, the officials gave us a penalty. Looking at the Youtube highlights it does look just inside the box but if there was any doubt, it’s surprising the penalty, which Matt converted to give us a 1-0 win, was given.

Josh Clackstone 39 appearances (+2 sub).

The win took us up to 4^th with a game in hand, a win from our last 2 games would ensure a play-off place, a draw may be enough but would depend on other results.

So, to Bradford Park Avenue for the game in hand fixture. Nothing but a win would do for Bradford and that was in no doubt early on as they cruised to a 3-0 win with a jaded Reds seeing the run in take its toll. I listened in via Alfreton Town Radio, a new feature the media team have put on for us this season. The three goal losing margin also saw us drop to 5^th, 1 place below Brackley Town, our final day opponents.

Championships were won, play-off positions secured and sides relegated on this day and that was just in National League North. A tough division with everything up for grabs at both ends of the table.

Alfreton’s game at Brackley Town won’t go down in history as a classic. It was the culmination of a season where each clubs players, volunteers, personnel and fans saw their efforts rewarded. Brackley have been knocking on the promotion door for a number of years now but with the spending power of AFC Fylde & Kings Lynn Town this season an automatic promotion spot was unlikely. The 1-1 draw, secured with Alfie Bates firing a free kick into our net and a goal that we’re geared up for at Alfreton. An Adam Lund free kick was headed down in the penalty area by Matt Rhead and Ahmed Salam ran onto the knock down to fire home our equaliser just before half time.

There were no further goals and as other results came in, even had we lost we would have made it in the play offs. A 5^th place finish cementing a home tie in the play-off against the form team, Kidderminster Harriers.

George Willis, most appearances with 49.

The Play-Off Eliminator.

It’s our best final placing since relegation from the Blue Square Premier (National League) and we were the only part-time team in the top 7.

Bigger budgets, larger squads, bigger fan bases, larger capacity grounds, none of that mattered but in context with all that we haven’t got it was important how Billy Heath moulded what we have got.

Billy has a certain style and this was commented on by our supporters of our play off opponents, Kiddy, as they came to the Impact and won 1-0, not necessarily deserved on the night. They play some nice football, it’s effective but it’s not total football which some of their support seemed to think it was. They still used time wasting tactics which worked and frustrated us, in particular keeper Dibble.

A terrible start for the Reds as Amari Morgan Smith headed home in the first minute. A ball that maybe should have been dealt seemed to be going out and then it was in the back of the net.

Kiddy score in the 1st minute of the Play-Off eliminator.

I was wondering if this was going to be 4 or 5 but our lads went straight on the attack to try and get an equaliser. Kiddy dealt with our attacks but there were moments of panic for them as we were relentless.

Alfreton push for an equaliser.

Matt Rhead had an excellent game winning headers and trying to get his team mates set up. It was two top sides at this level that battled on the Impact Arena pitch and it was our visitors who kept us out to go onto the semi-final and ultimately to promotion.

The best side I’ve seen this season is Kings Lynn Town so for Kiddy to go on and win 4-1 in Norfolk shows what a good performance we put on in our game against Kidderminster.

Defeat in the play-offs is painful but to see how far we’ve come under Billy Heath and his staff deserves special praise for a small town club punching above their weight and competing with the teams at this level. 2022/23 was the season we achieved much more than was expected, well done Reds and thank you.

Finally, below, are some photos of players, and supporters.