PREVIEW: Alfreton Town (A)
By Dan Sheward
In the final pre-season game of the campaign, Quorn F.C take on Alfreton Town away from home.
This Saturday, The Reds are making the trip up to the Impact Arena to conclude pre-season. Ryan Beswick’s side took part in seven pre-season games prior to the weekend, and they will hope to continue to build on what has been a tough preparation for step three. Having not lost any of the seven games, it would be a positive statement to head into the season, picking up a win away from home this Saturday.
The last fixture came against OJM CFC. It was a tough contest for The Reds after they struggled in the first half. However, Quorn had the quality to get back into the game and finishing the evening as winners. The final score was 3-1 at The Stotto Stadium
The Opposition:
The opposition this weekend will most definitely be a challenge, Alfreton Town finished 14th in National League North last year in Step Two, the sixth highest level of English football. They concluded their season on 59pts, cementing their place in the division.
They’ve faced off against some tough opposition in their pre-season campaign with the most recent being Stoke City U21’s. However, Alfreton managed to win 2-1 on the night with both goals from Gerry McDonagh. They also faced Chesterfield as part of their pre-season campaign, a side sprinkled with plenty of EFL experience including Armadro Dobra, Will Grigg and Chey Dunkley.
The club recently came under new ownership, as William Rush became chairman in a new chapter for Alfreton, also known as “The Reds”.
Last Game:
The Reds last game was against OJM CFC, at the Stotto Stadium. Quorn had a tough first half as a scrappy game made it tough for them to really get into their rhythm. An early goal from the oppositions, Manny Olaloko meant It was an uphill climb very early on in the game. However, it was quite the response from player/manager Ryan Beswick as he stuck a free kick into the top right-hand corner as easy as you like.
Going into half time the game was level in a good contest, with both sides showing nice glimpses.
The second half heated up a bit as both sides chased a goal to put them ahead, with a number of cards being show as the game grew closer to its conclusion. With ten minutes to go it was Quorn who found the breakthrough, two goals in quick succession from Trialist C and Luke Cox meant it was The Reds who ended the game as winners.
Head-to-head:
The two teams are yet to face each other in a head-to-head fixture. Quorn will hope to round their pre-season off with a win as the two sides meet for the first time.
Tickets:
Entrance fees on the gate are:
Adults: £10.00
Concessions Over 65s (incl. Students with a valid NUS Card): £5.00
16-21 Year Olds: £5.00
Under 16s: £3.00
Travel:
Head out of Loughborough on the A512 and onto the M1 North. Exit the motorway at junction 28, taking the first exit at the roundabout onto the A38. After approximately two miles, exit the A38 and turn right onto the B600. After half a mile, turn left into North Street. The ground is on the right hand side of the road. Parking is extremely limited. Please park respectfully in the surrounding streets.