5 Things: Alfreton Town

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AS Harriers gear up for their next challenge – an away tie in National League North at Alfreton Town – we bring you the latest in our 5 Things series.

Alfreton may be a new foe for Harriers with our matches confined to the last seven years or so, but there has been plenty of action when the two have come together.

Ahead of what is another key match for both teams this weekend, here’s a look at some of what you may not know…

DIRTY SHEETS

Though Alfreton might see themselves down toward the lower half of the table and not completely out of all possible relegation danger, the truth is that they’ve almost certainly got enough to avoid the drop – thanks in part to the fact that they love a goal. I mean, who doesn’t? Clean sheets against Alfreton have been a rare thing for National League opposition in recent weeks – look no further than the recent game against Bradford Park Avenue that ended 3-3. In fact, only five teams in the entire division have scored more – and only two (Blyth Spartans and Salford City) have outscored them comfortably.

A RETURN FOR DAN

Dan Bradley may be twice a Harrier, but he’s also a two-time Alfeton Town favourite. He opted for a move to the Impact Arena after leaving Aggborough the first time here and fondly recalls his spell under Nicky Law. Bradley made the better part of 150 appearances for Alfreton over the course of roughly four seasons – returning after a swift turnabout on a move to Barnet

EARLIER THIS SEASON

The return meeting at Aggborough earlier this season was a close affair. Harriers did manage to pick up three points but had to come from behind to do it. John McDermott’s charges had taken the lead before the break after Tom Allan had smashed the ball home from close range. It took a goal from Joe Ironside and a winner from Elton Ngwatala to turn the tie on its head.

THE NICKY LAW ERA

New boss Chris Moyses – installed in January following the departure of McDermott after just eight months in post – has been doing a fine job as Alfreton Town manager and has earned plenty of admirers. It hasn’t been easy for McDermott and now Moyses – have had big shoes to fill following the departure of Nicky Law, who left Alfreton after a spell spanning over a decade and in which they won promotion to the National League.

MEETINGS APLENTY

Harriers and Alfreton have met on 12 previous occasions. That may not sound like much, but when you consider the two teams had never crossed paths before 2011 and have spent some of the intervening years in different divisions, it’s quite the amount. Harriers won the first meeting at Aggborough back in 2011 (below) and were also victorious on the only occasion on which the two teams have met in a match outside the league, a November 2012 FA Trophy clash that saw Ryan Rowe among the goals in a 3-1 win.

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