A review of Alfreton Town's 2023/24 season.

A best ever FA Cup run and second consecutive play-off position was the achievement of Alfreton Town in 2023/24. Success in football is relative, one club’s play-off defeat could be the catalyst for financial ruin, or, as in Alfreton’s case, a slight disappointment alongside a feeling of pride.

We speak a lot about over achievement at Ofton and being proud doesn’t mean we’re happy we lost to Boston United, it means we recognise the humungous achievement Billy Heath and Mark Carroll have accomplished at our club, given the resources of some of our opponents.

Here’s my review of our 2023/24 campaign.

Alfreton Town 2023/24

Billy had a tougher than expected rebuilding job to do after the retained list was announced as 13 of the players from 2022/23 never played for the club again. It was announced early on that Dayle Southwell was joining Gainsborough Trinity and Connor Teale had gone back to Fleetwood Town following his loan spell with us.

Of the 8 players we offered new terms to, none of them signed on for 2023/24. Bailey Hobson was sold to Chesterfield, and ended up with a National League championship medal, while Oliver Brown joined Guiseley. Dom Smith moved closer to home and signed for Welsh Premier League club, Newtown and, also declining new terms, were Conor Branson (who signed for Farsley Celtic), Tom Denton (Guiseley), Ahmed Salam, (Manchester 1962, in Gibraltor) & Milan Butterfield (Nuneaton Borough).

The strangest one was Yusifu Ceesay who went awol and no-one could get in touch with him. His social media presence was non-existent until he played in a grassroots game in the Birmingham area around August time. Then, in September, Yusifu signed for Hereford.

Peter Dearle originally stayed on but before long it was announced he’d signed for Basford United.

There were also two players who had contracts for this season but didn’t play at all. Firstly, Matt Rhead, nothing was officially announced to supporters why Matt was out of the side, though, rumours were that he needed an operation and was expected back at Christmas. The New Year came and went without any sign of Matt appearing, he’d stopped attending matches but still there was no official news. When this Summer’s retained list was announced it mentioned that Matt had left the club, his contract having expired.

Lastly, there was Danny Preston who we regularly saw at games, initially with his crutches, Danny was there celebrating our victories and supporting his team mates. He did go on loan to Sheffield and played a few games but, unfortunately, he announced his retirement from playing at the end of the season.

Danny Preston

Matt Rhead

So, thank you Matt & Danny, two great assets to our club in their time here.

Rebuilding.

Billy had a big recruiting job to do and he did very well to bring in 15 players, they were;

Shaun Brisley (from Buxton), Bris was captain at the Bucks the previous season and lifted the Derbyshire Senior Cup,

Jake Day returned (Spennymoor Town),

Kennedy Digie (Gloucester City),

Anthony Dwyer (Basford United),

Billy Fewster (Nottingham Forest),

Jaz Goundry (Grimsby Town),

William Grewall-Pollard (Derby County U21’s),

Declan Howe (Cleethorpes Town),

James Oliver returned after a spell with us the season before

Harry Perritt (Altrincham),

Lewis Salmon (Nottingham Forest),

Kelan Swales (Frickley Athletic),

Ryan Taylor (Grimsby Town),

Liam Waldock (Gainsborough Trinity),

Jamie Walker (Long Eaton United).

So, 15 new players to get acclimatised to Billy’s regime, some who didn’t feature much, as is the norm at all clubs, as the management team weighed up who would do a job for us. The first departure was, surprisingly, before the season started, Jamie Walker left and signed for Ilkeston Town. He’d been Long Eaton’s top scorer last term and there was a concern where our goals would come from.

Jamie Walker, never played and joined Ilkeston Town

Now we’d got the basis of the squad and pre-season ended after the usual games against full time professional sides, it was time to see how we fared.

August.

The opening day paired us with newly promoted South Shields at Mariner’s Park. A wonderful venue dominated by the main stand and the amount of outlets selling refreshments inside the ground was noticeable. Shields would be looking to see how they fared against one of the play-off sides from last term, probably not knowing that we were waiting to see how Billy’s squad coped after the major overall. Given that we started with 7 debutants it wasn’t the Alfreton of last term, not yet anyway. Bris scored our opening goal of the season, equalising 9 minutes after we’d gone behind but, frustratingly, no sooner had we cheered our goal, Shields scored straight from the re-start. A lacklustre display from our lads was worsened at the end when Dwayne Wiley was sent off and Shields got a 3^rd from the edge of the box with the free kick. A 1-3 defeat to start the campaign and a side still getting used to each other. We came away knowing it was early days and the talk amongst supporters was how friendly everyone at South Shields were.

South Shields impressive main stand.

There was no panic from Billy for the next fixture, our opening home game of the season against Southport. With Dwayne suspended the main change was Liam Waldock dropping to the subs bench and in came Adam Lund and Ken Digie. Adam kept his place until being rested for the final league game of the season at Scarborough while Ken was in the squad for all but 1 game, Kings Lynn Town at home, when he was originally named as a sub but a cut above his eye eventually ruled him out, with the majority of those games being started. Lewis Salmon gave us a 1^st minute lead and extended that with his 2^nd on 17 minutes, Jordan Thewlis finishing the scoring in a 3-1 win. Our first points on the board and a great start at home.

George Cantrill gets into the Southport penalty area.

Jordan Thewlis celebrates Lewis Salmon's 1st minute goal v Southport.

We extended our winning run to 3 games as we beat Peterborough Sports at the Impact in the first midweek game of the season and then won 1-0 at the Lamb against another newly promoted side, Tamworth. August ended disappointingly though, with 2 defeats against sides we rarely do well against but they had started the season badly. Darlington won 3-2 at the Impact and on the Bank Holiday Monday defeat at Kings Lynn (1-2), a first win of the season for both those sides to leave us with 3 wins and 3 defeats and in 11^th place, not too bad for a side still getting to know each other but we all knew it could have been better.

On the player front Jaz Goundry and Declan Howe left the club this month. Neither played a game for us and both were unused subs in games. Jaz joined Basford United and later in the season turned out for Grimsby Borough while Declan left for Ilkeston Town but later joined Gainsborough Trinity and ended up as the Northern Premier League’s top scorer.

Jaz Goundry, never played for us and joined Basford Utd.

Declan Howe, no appearances and became NPL's top scorer at Gainsborough Trinity

Anthony Dwyer, who came on as a 90^th minute sub in the defeat at Kings Lynn, joined Grantham Town on dual registration forms.

Anthony Dwyer, 2 sub appearances

Kelan Swales joined Ossett United, also on dual registration forms, though he did return to make 1 appearance for us in the Derbyshire Senior Cup tie at Heanor Town, he later joined FC United of Manchester.

Kelan Swales in his only appearance for us, the Senior Cup tie at Heanor Town.

Billy’s last piece of tinkering with the squad, for now, saw Ben Starkie arrive from Basford United. Ben came on as a 65^th minute sub at Kings Lynn for his only appearance with us before signing dual registration forms with Ilkeston Town.

September.

Following the large amount of comings and goings over the Summer, and the squad changes during the opening month of the season, September saw us unbeaten as the side became more settled.

The month started with title favourites, Scunthorpe United, visiting the Impact Arena and it got off to a controversial start. Scunthorpe’s Kian Scales was sent off after just 6 minutes but if we thought that would make the visitors more defensive that theory was debunked when they went in front. Scunny led twice but we pegged them back to 2-2 in an end to end battle with both sides having chances to take the 3 points, the sending off definitely helping us against the full time outfit.

Action from the home game v Scunthorpe.

Josh Clackstone celebrates scoring v Scunthorpe.

The 0-0 draw on the following Tuesday at Banbury United was slightly less exciting, though the point took us into the top 10. Jordan Thewlis, who was injured in the Scunthorpe game and would miss the rest of the month, was replaced by James Oliver. Then, on the Saturday, Boston United rolled into town and rolled over on the pitch as well as we emphatically beat them 4-0. Two goals either side of the break could have been more as we dominated the game and Boston, with their possession style football were well beaten. Billy Fewster came back into the side, he’d played in the first 3 games then made just 2 sub appearances in the next 5, after winning his place back though he missed just 1 more game, away at Boston.

Lewis Salmon scores one of his brace at home to Boston Utd.

Ofton fans celebrate against Boston Utd.

Our only other league fixture this month was a 3-1 win at Blyth Spartans, not very often we leave Croft Park with 3 points, but it was a deserved victory for our lads as Blyth failed to win at home for the first time this season. That win saw us end the month in 5^th place.

Two players arrived in September, Kwame Boateng, who was without a club since being released by Guiseley in July, signed on. Kwame was an unused sub in 5 games so never actually played for us, he joined Grantham the following month and ended the season at Liversedge.

Nathan Newall signed from Buxton and became one of the mainstays of the side as the season progressed. He made his debut as an 87^th minute sub in the 4-0 win over Boston and missed just 2 games during the rest of the campaign.

Nathan Newall, seen here celebrating his goal against Worthing.

October.

We extended our unbeaten run to 7 with a 1-1 draw at home to Warrington on the first Saturday in October but we now expected our lads to get all 3 points in most games at home. We dropped to 8^th and out of the play-off positions with the draw against the Wires.

If we were disappointed with the point at home to Warrington, we were mortified by our 3-0 defeat to Gloucester City a fortnight later. City were having a poor season and the win was just their 2^nd at home as they gave us a thumping. Jordan Thewlis fired over from 6-yards and Nathan Newall was sent off just before half-time in a game best not to dwell on. The unbeaten run was ended and we were down to 10^th but clubs were still sorting themselves out and the table was still to sort out the promotion contenders from the relegation battlers and a win, or defeat, can move you up and down the table fairly rapidly. This is what happened after a midweek 3-1 win at home to Hereford, complete with Yusifu Ceesay in tow, who, unfortunately, didn’t get a good reception. I like Yusifu, he was a player who lit up our games, he could have left on better terms but he was a great asset to the side when he was here. Jordan Thewlis with 2 penalties and a late Jake Day goal gave us the points that shot us back into the play-off spots and 5^th.

Jake Day scores a 97th minute clincher against Hereford.

Yusifu Ceesay returned to the Impact with Hereford.

The month was rounded off with another 3 points at the Impact as Farsley, with another former red, Conor Branson, beaten 2-0. Thewlis and Day getting the goals that consolidated that 5^th place. So, another good month for the club, in the play-off positions and with just 1 defeat during October.

Jake Day scores our second against Farsley.

On the player front, Anthony Dwyer was released so he could join Matlock Town, he ended the season at Shirebrook Town and played in the play-off final defeat at Beverley Town. Anthony made just 2 sub appearances for us.

Anthony Dwyer made 2 sub appearances.

On the incoming side, we signed Dylan Motley-Henry on loan from South Shields. A skilful and solid player Dylan looked a good addition and came on as a sub in the win over Hereford then made his full debut in the following game against Farsley.

The FA Cup.

It’s the best competition in our country, in my opinion. Not just because it can pit a non-league team against a Football League, or Premier League side, but for the excitement it can generate at a club. It can totally transform the future for clubs, with the money it can accumulate and also the supporter base who get hooked and stick with their local club and this season was Alfreton’s best run in the competition.

Welcome to The Impact Arena.

2^nd Qualifying Round, 16^th September 2023, Cleethorpes Town (a) 4-2

All step 2 sides start in the 2^nd Qualifying Round and our FA Cup campaign started off at a team who had beaten us at the same stage 2 years ago, Cleethorpes Town, of the Northern Premier League East Division. Alfreton supporters were cautious following that defeat in 2021 and Cleethorpes weren’t overawed at all as they took a 1-0 lead through Brody Robertson, this was after Lewis Salmon had a 17^th minute penalty saved. Lewis made amends for the penalty miss by scoring twice to give us a 2-1 lead at the break. Liam Waldock made it 3-1 ten minutes into the 2^nd half but the home side weren’t giving up and pulled a goal back when Curtis Bateson’s shot deflected past George Willis. Ken Digie, with his first goal for us, put the tie to bed on 85 minutes. much to the relief for the travelling support.

Liam Waldock scored our 3rd goal at Cleethorpes Town.

3^rd Qualifying Round, 30^th September 2023, Emley AFC (h) 1-0.

A fortnight after our win at the seaside we faced old foes, Emley, in the 3^rd qualifying round in a tie we were lucky to survive. Emley, now playing in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, didn’t let the difference in status of the 2 sides bother them. They were the better side for much of the tie, particularly the first half when they took the game to us, seeing a Sam Pashley header cleared off the line, Ruben Jerome failed to connect properly with a shot when in front of goal that was easily saved by George. Emley keeper, Declan Lambert, had to stay alert too as he saved well from Jake Day. It was thanks to Billy Fewster in the 55^th minute that we won the tie 1-0, curling a shot into the top corner, but the drama didn’t end with Billy’s goal. Firstly, Jake Day had a penalty saved then with 2 minutes of the 90 remaining, Emley had a penalty, George Willis made a fantastic save to deny James Walshaw’s spot kick, phew!

Billy Fewster scores the only goal against Emley.

Billy Fewster's shot hits the back of the Emley net.

George Willis saves James Walshaw's penalty.

Chris Marples & Nicky Law were Wayne Bradley's guests for the Emley game.

4^th Qualifying Round, 14^th October 2023, Macclesfield (h) 3-1.

The next round was another home tie, against Macclesfield. This was a hard one to call as the reformed club, born out of the remnants of Macclesfield Town, were funded well and looking to climb back to at least the National League. They were one league lower than us, being in the Northern Premier League, Premier, but no-one was under any illusions, this was a big club coming to face us with their figurehead, Robbie Savage, in tow.

Macclesfield fans at Alfreton for the FA Cup tie.

Playing Macclesfield, brings up memories, for some of us, of that epic 1^st round tie in 2004 when we held the then Football League Macc to a 1-1 draw thanks to a dramatic late equaliser from Mark Sale.

Celebrations after the equalising goal v Macc in 2004.

Jordan Thewlis returned from injury to make his first appearance since that 2-2 draw with Scunthorpe and he settled our nerves with a 3^rd minute goal. Macc had the better of the possession in the first half without really troubling us, mind you, George had to make another penalty save, this time from Tom Peers. Macc did pull level just before half time though with a low shot into the bottom corner which left the tie in the balance.

Jordan Thewlis shoots to give us the lead v Macc.

Jordan Thewlis' shot gives us a 1-0 lead.

George Willis saves Tom Peers penalty.

Paul Dawson is about to equalise for Macclesfield.

The second half though saw Ofton take control with, it should be noted, the inadvertent assistance of Macc keeper, Max Johnstone. Firstly, he flapped at an Adam Lund long throw forcing the Macc defenders into a rash attempt at charging down the ball and conceding a penalty, Liam Waldock stepped up to put us 2-1 ahead, his 4^th goal in 6 games. From then on Johnstone’s distribution was baffling as throw-ins were conceded on numerous occasions. I recall spotting Robbie Savage in the seats shaking his head as his keeper lumped the ball out of play yet again. For all that, it took a 97^th minute goal from Jake Day to finally see off the visitors and put us in the 1st round for the first time since 2018.

Liam Waldock's penalty beats Max Johnstone.

Teamwork

Macclesfield's Danny Rowe is closed down by Ken Digie.

Ofton Celebrations.

Macclesfield, had a day out and then went home.

The scenes at the end were memorable as the Alfreton players and supporters came together to celebrate. One of the great things about following Alfreton, particularly since Billy Heath became manager, is that rapport between, management, players, club personnel and supporters. The camaraderie amongst everyone, winning, and losing, together. with the best part being the celebrating together. This was most evident in the FA Cup ties, Emley from the Northern Counties East League Premier had given us a great game, they were unlucky and we knew it as we celebrated not being giant killed, but also, we’d progressed to the next round. The celebrations after the Macclesfield result were something else as we’d made the 1^st round proper, a great achievement for the majority of non-league clubs and we were in the hat for the first round for the 10^th time in our history.

Celebrations at the Macclesfield FA Cup tie.

1^st Round, 4^th November 2023, Worthing (h) 2-0.

Was there a slight feeling of anti-climax at the draw? You want a Football League side don’t you? preferably at home, so people can relive the stories when an EFL side came to Alfreton. We would host Vanarama National League South play-off chasers, Worthing, a side at the same level as us and an unknown quantity, but we had home advantage. Perhaps it could have been better but now the job of our lads was to make some memories.

Time to make some memories.

The Rebels supporters came in good numbers with, probably, the best banner we will see at the Impact, “PIER OF THE YEAR CHAMPION, YOU’LL NEVER SING THAT”.

The flag of the season award goes to........ Worthing.

Worthing fans at The Impact

Two very good step 2 sides showed great respect to each other in a first half that was a cagey affair. Worthing had the majority of the possession in the first half and had a couple of chances that went wide of our goal but the best chance in the first period fell to Alfreton. Jordan Thewlis started with the ball in our half as we attacked the tin end, weaving past 3 defenders then putting a delicious pass in front of Nathan Newall to run on to and from the edge of the box, his shot, heading for the top of the net, saw a stretching save from Worthing keeper Roco Rees.

Jordan Thewlis weaves through the Worthing defenders.

Still going.

Roco Rees saves Nathan Newall's shot.

Goalless at the break, the 2^nd half continued in the same manner and it was looking like a replay in Sussex would be needed. That is until an Adam Lund's long throw was sent into the Worthing 6-yard area, headed clear to Billy Fewster who shot while falling only to see it deflected ten yards outside the penalty area where Nathan Newall took a touch then fired a spectacular thunderbolt into the top corner and past a diving Roco Rees. Scenes we’ve seen before, players and supporters hugging, limbs, bodies on top of bodies, the joy on home faces, the adrenalin pumping. GOAL.

Nathan Newall's superb goal beats Roco Rees.

Supporters and players celebrate Nathan's goal.

Celebrating Nathan's goal.

Nathan Newall's just scored our goal of the season.

There was 17 minutes remaining when Nathan scored our goal of the season and Worthing were now looking for an equaliser, the game opened up, we stuck to our game plan, work hard, win your tackles, defend with your life and cause the visitors problems in defence. Another set piece on 87 minutes, this time a corner, Billy Fewster puts it into the 6-yard area and Ken Digie towers over everyone to head home our 2^nd, his third of the season and we were in the hat for round 2.

Digie does it. 2-0.

Anti-climax? Would it have been had we lost? It was a memorable day, Alfreton supporters will talk about it for years, especially Nathan Newall’s goal. The professional performance of Billy’s team against an equally good side, the goals, particularly the first one and the scenes of celebration after each goal and after the game are what we’ll remember, the FA Cup does that.

My favourite Adam Lund photos - legend.

2^nd Round, 2^ndDecember 2023, Walsall (h) P-P

A Football League team at home, not only that, a struggling one as well. Walsall were hoping to stay in the Football League, surely they will have to concentrate on that. Not only that, but we were going to be live on BBC1, a 12.30ko. The magic of the Cup.

The day of the game arrived and the weather hadn’t been kind, frost and a misty start to the day. It was expected to be busy so an early arrival at the ground to get some pre-match photos but the turnstiles weren’t open at the expected time for my family to get in, it was expected the game would be on but the ref wanted to make sure.

TV cameras at The Impact.

Rumours galore were going around that Mat Sadler, the Walsall manager, wanted the game postponed, he didn’t fancy playing us with his side being out of form, was the popular one. Eventually supporters were let in, players were out on the pitch, the TV cameras were in place as the pundits stood shivering on the pitch. Alex Scott was the most photographed woman in Derbyshire that day, obviously, because she was stood next to the FA Cup, yes, the trophy was at the Impact Arena. Not only the FA Cup but Chris Wilder was there to do some punditry, he shook my hand and asked how I was which was a great moment for me.

A thing of beauty, Alex Scott is there as well.

I had a walk on and around the pitch, taking photos, and the ground had some “give”. I spoke to Rob, the groundsman, as most of the covers had been removed with the pitch thawing, there was one concern in the corner at the bungalows end but it was looking good.

An old mate who I used to work with, also called Rob, was attending with his girlfriend who was a Walsall supporter. He rung me 20 minutes before kick-off, they’d forgotten their match tickets and were at a pub in town. I quickly found our Chairman, Wayne, to explain Rob’s dilemma, hoping he’d be able to get in the ground but Wayne explained the match was off, the ref had confirmed to him 15 minutes before the planned kick off and he was on his way to get the announcement made.

Referee Sam Allison in discussions about the pitch.

The fog descends as the pitch is checked.

Billy Heath is interviewed.

There followed repercussions, social media is toxic at the best of times, someone needed blaming and it was the club who took the brunt of that, for the late cancellation. One bloke even criticised them for selling programmes, food and drink before the game was called off. Sam Allison, the ref was criticised but I’m guessing he was just trying his best to see if the game could be played, particularly as most Walsall fans were in town early on. I overheard Billy being interviewed before the decision was made and he said he and the ref thought the pitch was playable. In the end the decision fell to the ref, he will be criticised for leaving it so late but he’s human, he was trying to get the game on, he will have had pressure from both sides and in the end it was Walsall’s manager who had cried loudest. When Mat Sadler was interviewed by the BBC he said it was obvious the game should have been called off early yet the ref was happy that the pitch was improving. The debate could go on from both sides but in the end it was off, much too late but it would have been interesting to see how the pitch held up had the game started.

2^nd Round, 5^th December 2023, Walsall (h) 0-0

So, we then move to Tuesday and Martin Keown is doing the commentary and we’re still live on telly. We took a few minutes to get settled and had a stroke of luck when Walsall had a goal disallowed for a push on George, it was minimal contact and we’d have been livid had it been our goal. After that though the game was quite even, both sides having half chances, Walsall struggling to cope with Lundy’s long throws and they were wasteful with their opportunities. It looked like Walsall were going to overpower us when they made a few subs in the 2^nd half. It gave them the edge, they were more dominant and put us on the back foot. This is a Billy Heath side though and their dominance didn't last long before we got back in to the game. We never saw the full time clubs superior fitness make any difference as it ended goalless and our best chance to knock out a league side moved to the Bescot in a weeks time.

The Impact Arena

Referee Sam Allison.

Walsall's disallowed goal.

FA Cup official match ball.

Dwayne Wiley goes close with this header.

Harry Perritt gets a shot at goal.

Proud Alfreton fan.

Walsall under pressure.

Saddlers fans at the Impact.

2^nd Round Replay, 12^th December 2023, Walsall (a) 0-1

An accident on the A38 delayed Alfreton fans getting to the replay and we arrived just as the game was kicking off. Walsall supporters on social media had been either criticising us for the late postponement or criticising their manager for his excuses, he has a reputation, apparently, for blaming pitches. Goodness knows what he’d have said to his groundsman should they have lost to us as the pitch was very soft in the corners at the away end.

The Bescot Stadium

Like in the first game, Walsall had the ball in the net early on but this time it wasn’t disallowed. A speculative ball sent towards goal took a deflection and Jamille Matt got ahead of George Willis to give the Saddlers the lead. George had better shots to deal with after that and we started pressing more as the first half went on and continued taking the game to the league side in the 2^nd half. A deflected shot that flicked over was our best chance and apart from a chip over George that come back off the post it wasn’t a cup tie where the higher ranked side were dominant. On our 3^rd appearance in the 2^nd round this was our best result by taking Walsall to a replay.

Jamille Matt scores the only goal over the 2 games.

Jackson Smith claims the ball ahead of Lewis Salmon.

Alfreton fans at Walsall.

Ryan Taylor gets a header at goal.

Jackson Smith saves Ryan Taylor's header.

Ryan Taylor tries an overhead kick.

Alfreton Town fans at Walsall.

Heroes.

December.

Following the FA Cup games against Walsall at the beginning of this month we faced another 4 games before the new year. The double was completed over Blyth Spartans with a comfortable 3-0 victory and we were now in 9^th position, just 2 points off the play-offs.

Billy Fewster wins possession against Blyth Spartans.

Our best chance of silverware was in the Derbyshire Senior Cup and we had an enticing tie at United Counties Premier North side, Heanor Town. On a night when we underperformed and were outbattled it ended goalless and so we went straight to penalties. The home side managed to score all there’s as we lost 6-5. Heanor actually made the final and had the majority of the support at Pride Park in the defeat to Buxton. Three players made their only appearance of the season for us in that Senior Cup tie, Jake Askew, who came in for the rested George Willis, Kelan Swales and Harvey Wigglesworth.

The best bit of our Derbyshire Senior Cup tie, the tea bar at Heanor.

Just before Christmas we travelled to Boston United who had put together a great run since our victory over them at the Impact. They had obviously improved since that game and the 3-1 win didn’t flatter them, it left us on a run of just 1 win in 10 games and in 13^th place.

That left just the Boxing Day game against Buxton, this one being at the Impact and saw us move up 2 places with the 2-1 win. We had to come from behind to do it and Jordan Thewlis drew us level just before half time with a penalty and Lewis Salmon reacted quickest in an Alfreton attack to fire home on 81 minutes and set up the celebrations.

Ken Digie gets a shot at goal.

Kelan Swales time at the club has already been mentioned. His DSC appearance being the only one he made for us.

Harvey Wigglesworth seems to have been signed purely to help out in the Senior Cup tie. He trained with the squad, signed on and appears to have been used to fill in just for this game. Harvey signed for Ollerton Town later and ended the season at Worsborough Bridge.

Harvey Wigglesworth made 1 appearance for us.

Will Grewal-Pollard was released in December. Will signed from Derby County in the Summer and appeared for them against us in the 2022/23 season when they came back to draw 5-5 and beat us on penalties in the Senior Cup. Will made 7 sub appearances for us, funnily enough the 4 in the league were all away from home and the 3 FA Cup appearances were at The Impact. His last appearance being as a 94^th minute sub in the FA Cup 1^st round v Worthing. He signed for Gresley Rovers in February, making just 1 appearance.

Will Grewall-Pollard, 7 sub appearances.

January.

January was a decent month for us as we moved up to 10^th as we completed the double over Buxton on NY Day. We followed that up with a 2-0 win at home to Chorley. What happened next though was pure embarrassment as we lost a 2-0 lead at Warrington, leading by those two goals in the 88^th minute, the Wires pulled a goal back on 89 then got a 97^th minute equaliser thanks to goalkeeper Dan Atherton.

Billy Fewster goes close in the 2-0 win over Chorley.

We got a point in a 1-1 draw at Peterborough Sports as Liam Waldock got us an 83^rd minute equaliser. Liam was on the scoresheet again as we travelled to much improved Southport in a typical end to end game in which our battling qualities were evident. Southport were 2-1 ahead at the break, their 2^nd goal coming 7 minutes into first half added time. Chances for both sides look to be missed opportunities until Jake Day scored an 88^th minute equaliser and then Gerry McDonagh scored a 90^th minute winner on his debut.

The month ended with a midweek defeat at Chorley when we were denied a penalty for handball so to lose 3-2 was disappointing in such circumstances, particularly after another good performance against our hosts.

VAR said - no penalty.

James Oliver went on loan to Belper Town in January till the end of the season and we had 2 incoming, Gerry McDonagh signed on loan from Kidderminster Harriers, also till the seasons end, and George Dickenson arrived from Sheffield United.

James Oliver, 2 (+11) Apps, ended the season on loan at Belper Town.

Gerry McDonagh came on loan and made 14 (+6) appearances & scored 2 goals

February.

As we moved into February we still had 18 games to play, we had games in hand over most of the teams above us and were 2 places from the play-offs. Tamworth had a commanding lead over Scunthorpe at the top, Scunny themselves had a 7 point lead over 3^rd spot so from 3^rd to 7^th it was still all to play for.

Tamworth, the leaders, visited first, we had won at the Lamb earlier in the season and our tussle at the Impact was a great game between two evenly matched sides. We could feel slightly aggrieved that we hadn’t won but our visitors had a mean defence, only conceding 19 goals up to this point as we drew 0-0.

Adam Lund goes close against Tamworth.

The trip to Curzon Ashton brought about a 2-1 defeat yet the hosts were down to ten men after just 20 minutes when Marcus Poscha was dismissed for handling on the line. Jordan Thewlis’ penalty hit the post and Josh Clackstone fired home from the rebound. That goal brought us level after we had conceded on 10 minutes but, despite being a man short, Curzon did enough to win the game. Curzon, like us, are punching above their weight by chasing a play-off place but to lose to ten men was disappointing.

Next up was a visit to struggling Darlington. I find it difficult to view us as favourites in these games, Darlington are one of many big clubs in this division, their resources are enormous compared to the likes of us, Curzon, Farsley etc yet they’re next to the bottom of the league. So, despite the league positions I think it’s a great achievement to go to Blackwell Meadows and take home the 3 points as we did on this occasion with a 2-0 win. Gerry McDonagh scored our first with a 47^th minute penalty and Jake Day got a 90^th minute goal to seal the victory, even more impressive because George Cantrill had been sent off midway through the 2^nd half, this was later rescinded.

There are some games that test how good you really are, season defining, games where you’re playing another quality side, the pressure is on, and you come through it deserving the 3 points.

We had a few games like that in the last few months of the season and the first one was at home to South Shields on the 13^th February. Shields, full timers, came to the Impact for a midweek fixture sitting in the last play-off spot while we were 9^th. Jordan Thewlis scored the only goal in the 7^th minute, we could have been 3-0 ahead by then. A dominant start by our lads set us up for the 3 points when the whole team worked so hard to earn the win. Shields had their chances, a penalty appeal which resulted in an outside the box free kick, a goal disallowed for offside and George Willis stopping everything else. The win saw us move in to the top 7 and we never relinquished a play-off berth from this point on.

Jordan Thewlis scores the only goal of the game against South Shields.

A 2-0 win at home to Banbury, Liam Waldock giving us the lead after just 3 minutes, Ken Digie getting another goal in the 2^nd half just before Lawson D’Ath was sent off for the visitors. We were unlucky not to get a point at Scunthorpe after a great defensive performance almost kept the home side out but an added time goal by Will Evans giving Scunny the points. The final game of the month saw bogie side, Kings Lynn Town, visit for a midweek game. The visitors had the best of the first half and led 1-0 but Jake Day came off the bench and equalised with a fantastic powerful header on 73 minutes, points shared.

Ken Digie heads past Banbury's keeper to seal our 2-0 win.

Will Evans heads past George Willis to give Scunny all 3 points.

Kings Lynn keeper, Paul Jones, gets a hand to this Alfreton effort.

Danny Preston went on loan to Sheffield and Joe Stacey went on loan to Gainsborough Trinity, he signed for them permanently in May.

Joe Stacey. 2 (+1) Appearances.

March.

Confidence was high as we ventured to Spennymoor on a Tuesday evening and we started on the front foot, as usual, culminating in Dwayne Wiley giving us the lead after just 8 minutes. That wasn’t built on, unfortunately, and in a game that both sides had dominant spells we found ourselves 2-1 behind and as much as we pressured the home side, we couldn’t get that equaliser. Coming out of the Brewery Field afterwards I overheard some Spennymoor fans state how good a side we were and what a good win it was for them in the circumstances.

Dwayne Wiley celebrates opening the scoring at Spennymoor.

We scored 9 goals in our next 3 games, starting with a 3-2 win at Farsley Celtic, which flattered the home side. Brother’s Ben & Chris Atkinson scored Celtic’s goals, the first a penalty in first half added time was the home sides first effort on target. Luckily, Lundy had scored our 3^rd before Farsley managed another and the 3 points consolidated that play-off place. Three goals were scored in a draw at Hereford, this after we had led 3-1 at half time and the Bulls equalising on 95 minutes. The trio of triple goals was complete with a 3-0 win over bottom markers Bishop’s Stortford. The customary 1-0 defeat at Brackley was followed up with a gritty 1-0 win at home to Rushall. George Willis made a superb save to keep Rushall out as the relegation fighters created the better chances in the first half while we had the majority of the play. Jordan Thewlis giving us the points with a 51^st minute goal as relief was felt around the Impact when the ref blew for full time.

Action from the 3-0 home win over Bishop's Stortford.

Max Ram was the final addition to the squad when he signed on loan from Gloucester City.

Graeme Hill.

Alfreton Town FC supporters, players and officials were saddened to hear of the untimely death of our Head Steward, Graeme Hill, in March. Graeme was a well known figure around the club, organising the wonderful stewards we have, and using his experience to keep everyone in the ground safe. A tribute was arranged for Graeme at our home game with Bishop's Stortford where his family were invited to lay a wreath alongside captain, Dwayne Wiley. Our stewards did a guard of honour prior to the game in memory of their friend and colleague. R.I.P. Graeme.

April.

Twenty days till the end of the season, we sat in the final play-off position, 7^th on goal difference from Curzon Ashton. Chester were 2 places and 2 points behind us as we travelled there on Easter Monday. Our only victory over Chester was in 2014 when a Shaun Harrad penalty gave us the points in the Conference Premier. 11 games without a victory against the Seals, we didn’t expect anything. Remember when I mentioned about those season defining games, this was one of them as we won 2-0. Ken Digie with a brace, both headers from corners. Chester just didn’t cope with our attacking, we hit the woodwork twice, George Cantill hitting the bar and Jordan Thewlis the post in what is possibly one of the best results this season.

The next game could have been a similar season defining one as we hosted Curzon Ashton. A nervy affair from both sides ended 0-0, it was obvious no-one wanted to give anything away and we were both probably happy with the point as it kept each side in the play-offs on 71 points, though we had a game in hand.

Curzon keeper, Josh Ollerenshaw, easily collects the ball

That game in hand was on the following Tuesday against already relegated Gloucester City and a dominant display and 3-0 win put us in a fantastic position with just 2 games remaining.

We faced Spennymoor Town on the penultimate Saturday of the season. A win for the visitors would put them level on points with us though we had a better goal difference. Moors fans came in good numbers to support their team and as it was Grand National day a lot had come in fancy dress, as jockeys, though one supporter didn’t get the memo and came dressed as a Mexican.

With the wind, and the pitch cutting up after the extremely wet winter, it was Ofton who mastered the conditions better and created the better chances in the first half. Billy Fewster and Jake Day giving us a 2-0 half time lead and Spennymoor couldn’t have complained had it been more. Spennymoor sub Glen Taylor pulled one back on 76 minutes giving us 24 + whatever the ref added squeaky bum time (© Fergie) of which we came through thanks, in part, to a superb save by George from a Taylor shot.

Unlucky for Spennymoor, Jake Day is about to score his 13th goal of the season.

This was season defined. We had qualified for the play-offs for the second consecutive season when clubs who expected much more had failed to do so.

We’d done so with a game to spare and it was party time at the seaside as we travelled to Scarborough for the last scheduled league game. A lot of Ofton supporters went in fancy dress, some blokes taking the opportunity to put another dress on. The “red hat brigade” turned up, Mrs Brown was there, some super heroes, punch & Judy, an officer and a gentleman, someone was riding a “pretty flamingo” and many more who contributed to an enjoyable and memorable day, thank you.

Scarborough couldn’t make the play-offs but their people told me they hoped we’d be resting players and they were going for the win. Fittingly, Shaun Brisley, who opened our scoring account back in August at South Shields, got our last goal of the regulation season with a looping header over the Scarborough keeper to give us a 1-0 win.

Party time in Scarborough.

We finished on 80 points and in 5^th so would be at home in the Eliminator. It was a great achievement and everyone at Alfreton knew just what Billy and his team of players and backroom staff had achieved. To do so after the bigger than expected rebuild in the Summer to some fantastic performances, where teams were dominated and beaten by our lads, it was a great season.

Vanarama National League North Play-Off Eliminator v Boston United.

We had finished 1 place and 5 points ahead of Boston United, beaten them 4-0 at home but lost 1-3 away. We had been 1 place higher than them back in September after that 4-0 win and both sides had improved from those early season performances. It was a game between two of the NL North’s better sides, teams who could beat any of the others on their day.

A great following from both sides packed into the Impact and saw a quiet start to the game. For Boston, a shot over the bar being their best chance. We took the initiative after the break and created chances but our visitors defended very well. The best chance of the night was well into the 10^th minute of added time when Jordan Thewlis got ahead of a Boston defender in the 6-yard box and put his effort over the bar.

Extra time failed to resolve the matter and it was down to a penalty shoot out that Boston came out on top. I love penalties, though, I admit it’s a horrid way to lose, especially when I thought we edged the game.

Boston United Gallery.

Mascots.

Boston United legend Paul Bastock.

Boston United fans.

Jake Day

All eyes on the ball.

Battle of the Giants.

Ken Digie puts Cameron Gregory under pressure.

Thumbs up for the Reds.

Tug O' War

Gerry McDonagh pulls the trigger.

Billy Fewster shoots.

Jordan Thewlis' shot goes over the bar.

Scrummy

It's over. Boston's Michael Gyasi celebrates his winning penalty.

Boston United fans celebrate.

Proud.

Defeat is hard to take, especially when it was such a close game and defeat on penalties, it gives you that dreadful feeling of what if. It could have been us rejoicing in victory the difference being that stroke of luck, good or bad.

As for Boston, they went on to achieve promotion, playing all their knockout games away from home, a great achievement for them and back to a division they will feel they should be in and where other full time clubs in our league also aspire.

So, that's my take on another season under Billy Heath. He put together a team who fought for each other and us supporters. They entertained, bullied opposition, battled for everything, embraced the support, literally. A team we are proud of, not just because we went closer in the play-offs than last season and had our best ever FA Cup run but because they represented OUR TOWN, Alfreton Town.

I couldn't end this review without a mention to our fantastic supporters. The atmosphere you've created, particularly that last League game at Scarborough, has been a joy to see, and hear. Photographing that bond between club and it's support is the best bit, for me. Thank you.