REPORT: Alfreton Town 1-1 Quorn

The Reds concluded preseason with a creditable draw away to step two Alfreton Town. Ryan Beswick’s side saved their best performance to last as they frustrated their higher-level opposition, thoroughly deserving a draw from the match. Siya Ligendza opened the scoring in the 27th minute for the hosts, with Zak Goodson equalising from the spot 10 minutes later.

Ligendza looked electric in the opening ten minutes, constantly beating the Quorn defence as it looked as though it would be a long afternoon for the Southern League Premier Central new boys. However, the Reds quickly got to grips with the threat from the flying forward and neutralized the threat for the majority of the match. There was little they could do though as the former Eastbourne Borough forward lobbed a spectacular effort over Tom Allsopp from just inside the area.

The Methodists had held their own at the Impact Arena and shaded possession with Joe Lyne and Reece Fyfe anchoring the midfield. Silvio Bello was able to get forward from right back, and earned a penalty when he was felled in the box after beating a couple of Alfreton defenders. Goodson kept his cool to score his fourth of an impressive preseason campaign.

The second half didn’t see quite the same flow, with both sides making a multitude of substitutions, ensuring that everyone got a run-out in the preseason finale. Neither keeper was really troubled, though Allsopp had to react quickly to make amends for a mistake in the dying moments, gifting possession to Alfreton but recovering to make a good stop and keep the scores level.

Quorn get down to the real business on Saturday with a trip to Worcester City, as they move into their new home at Sixways Stadium (9th of August, 3pm KO).