Recap: Alfreton 1-1 Harriers

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JACK Bearne’s second Harriers goal wasn’t enough to help the side to three points at Alfreton thanks to Matt Rhead’s late equaliser in a 1-1 draw.

It was an eventful night for the on-loan Liverpool youngster, who had originally started the night on the bench but came on for the injured Ethan Freemantle – he’d left the pitch after a little over ten minutes after taking a nasty looking blow to the head.

Bearne netted with a superb finish – a lob over the Alfreton goalkeeper after 21 minutes – as Harriers looked well on their way to an important win at the Impact Arena.

Harriers had already gone close at that point through a second-minute Ashley Hemmings header, while Tom Billson at the other end made a good stop to keep out a free kick from ex-Harrier Milan Butterfield.

Bearne then put the opening goal of the night away as Harriers took control – that position strengthened further when Butterfield was sent off before half-time for collecting two yellow cards in relatively quick succession.

The second half saw the game degenerate into more of a scrap as the ten men of Alfreton dug in, defended and waited for a chance on the counter. In truth, few of those opportunities arose, though Billson was in action on 68 minutes as he thwarted Bailey Hobson who had struck low from ten yards.

Harriers had a major chance to make it 2-0 on 80 minutes. Zak Brown’s neat pass supplied Caleb Richards who’d jinxed into the area, letting fly with an effort that beat the goalkeeper but cannoned back off the bar.

Football’s cruel inevitability saw Alfreton, having had that let off, get themselves level six minutes later. Billson had saved Danny Preston’s effort as he’d charged into the area, but was penalised for fouling him on the follow-through. The penalty itself from Rhead was well saved, but the striker kept himself on the spot to tuck away the rebound.

Get full team line-ups and key match facts at The Match Centre.

 

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