Search for
Search for
Search forReds warm up for big day with FA Trophy showdown
Friday, November 21, 2008, 07:30
While Alfreton travel to League One leaders Scunthorpe United for their second round tie – the biggest game in their history – Blue Square North rivals Blyth travel to League Two strugglers Bournemouth, their reward for knocking out Shrewsbury Town.
But first, the two sides meet in the third qualifying round of the Trophy, at Croft Park, Northumberland.
The Reds have never won at Blyth in nine visits in all competitions.
If they can change that statistic this weekend, they will earn another £4,000 in prize money to add to their FA Cup haul so far.
Should a replay be necessary, it will take place at the Impact Arena on Tuesday evening.
Alfreton manager Nicky Law has four players one booking away from suspension – son Nicky, Leo Fortune-West, Paul Clayton and Ben Muirhead.
All four sat out last weekend's 4-1 league win over Solihull Moors to avoid the risk of them missing the Scunthorpe game, and are likely to do so again this weekend.
That means their replacements, Simon Marples, Kris Bowler, Brian Cusworth and Danny Davidson could be given another chance to impress.
There was also a boost this week for two players who have been handed new contracts.
Jordan Hall has been given an extended deal which will keep him at the Impact Arena next season.
And 19-year-old central defender Aden Flint has been rewarded with a contract until the end of the season.
Flint has impressed since joining the Reds from Pinxton for an undisclosed fee.
Meanwhile, Alfreton have already sold more than half of their initial allocation of 1,000 tickets for the FA Cup tie at Scunthorpe.
Chairman Wayne Bradley said: "We are certainly on target to beat the total of 727 which backed us at Macclesfield in 2004.
"I would urge supporters who have not yet booked their ticket for the big game to do so in the next few days."
Alfreton will be playing in their yellow away kit at Glanford Park and fans will be able to buy specially commissioned scarves, hats and flags with the game's details printed on them.
The memorabilia will be available next week and fans will be able to purchase it on the morning of the Scunthorpe game from the official club shop at the Impact Arena.
"We want to create the block of support that we know the players will respond to," Bradley added.
"We know we will have a good volume of support and the fans can show their passion by wearing the new colours on the day.
"It should be a real carnival atmosphere."
Pet Insurance- 5% Online Discount
UK Pet Insurance. Buy instantly online. From just £4.85 per month.
You can make money fast and easy. Simple step-by-step system.
Pet Insurance Reviewed By The Independent Experts At Which?
STAYING POWER: Alfreton Town's Jordan Hall (left) has had his contract extended.
Comment on this story