Alfreton Town take a break from the challenges of a difficult start to their National League North campaign as they begin this year’s Emirates FA Cup jpurney with a trip to Lincolnshire to face Southern League Premier Central side Spalding United.

You’d be forgiven for thinking we’d gone back in time to 2024, as the two clubs were drawn together at this very stage of the competition last season. On that occasion, Alfreton edged through on penalties after a dramatic late equaliser in extra time forced a shootout, following two gruelling draws between the sides. Back then, Spalding were newly promoted to Step 3 and struggling near the foot of the table, while the Reds came into the tie unbeaten in seven league games and sitting inside the play-off places.

Fast forward 12 months and the picture looks very different. Spalding arrive full of confidence, unbeaten in seven, and riding high in the league. Their latest outing saw them come from 2-0 down against promotion rivals Kettering Town to win 4-2, inspired by a Bart Cybulski first-half hat-trick that lifted the Tulips to second in the Southern League Premier Central.

It could be argued the tables have turned. Alfreton approach the tie struggling for form after a slow start to the season. Having recently parted company with long-serving manager Billy Heath following a heavy defeat at Oxford City, the Reds showed improvement in interim boss Ryan Conneely’s first game in charge. Billy Fewster’s stoppage-time equalizer salvaged a deserved point against King’s Lynn, a display the team will look to build on this weekend.

There’s no doubt this represents a tough draw for Alfreton. Spalding are a club on the rise, set to unveil their new state-of-the-art artificial pitch at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field on Saturday, a landmark occasion coinciding with their first home league game of the season.

This fixture marks the fourth time in the last five years that Alfreton have travelled to Lincolnshire at this stage of the FA Cup. Spalding booked their place in the tie with a comeback victory over another Derbyshire outfit, Ilkeston Town, continuing a remarkable run of five straight FA Cup draws against Derbyshire opposition dating back three seasons.

With just four league places separating the sides, another tight and fiercely contested clash is expected as the Reds look to create more memories in the world’s most famous knockout competition, having reached the Proper Rounds in each of the past two seasons.

The winning club will earn £3,375 with £1,125 to the losing club.

Should a replay be required this will take place on Tuesday 16th September at the Impact Arena.

We hope to see as many Ofton fans in Lincolnshire to get behind Demaro, Ryan, Callum and the lads! COME ON YOU REDS!

Travel (Supporters Coach)

Those wishing to travel on the Supporters Association bus, please contact Mark on 07857 558401. Departure is at 09:30 from the Impact Arena.

Travel (Car) From Alfreton take the M1 south, then the A52 east to Grantham and join the A1 south. Exit onto the A52 towards Boston, then follow the A16 south to Spalding. Head into the town centre and the ground is on Winfrey Avenue opposite the bus station.

Prices as follows:

Adults £14
Concessions £9
U16 £5
U5 free

There is a small saving for purchasing online however this will ensure faster entry to the ground on the day as Spalding united are expecting a large attendance for this fixture. Online ticket link - https://www.tickettailor.com/events/spaldingunitedfootballclub2017ltd

Contact

If you want to get in touch with the club, you can email us on enquiries@alfretontownfc.com.

Alternatively, you can see the latest Reds news and updates on our club website and across our social media channels on X, Facebook and Instagram.

We hope you have a great time following the Reds on Saturday.

#ATFC | #Ofton