A tough start to 2025 and a punishing January schedule continues on Saturday when in form Darlington are set to visit Derbyshire for a National League North fixture weather depending.
A disappointing Christmas period for Billy Heath`s side which saw they suffer defeats to Buxton and Curzon Ashton has seen the Reds slip to 10th in National League North level pegging with Chester who they are set to meet later in the month.
As has been a running theme for a number of months now the league standings continue to be extremely tight. Just three points separate Brackley in fifth and Chester in 11th with South Shields just one further point back in 12th.
Alfreton opened the calendar year of 2025 with a slender 1-0 home defeat to top of the table Curzon Ashton. . After a trademark hard working performance it was another controversial refereeing decision that proved the difference between the sides.
George Willis celebrated his 200th appearance in Alfreton Red but it soon became a struggle for the shot stopper after he picked up an injury in the first. Ever a battler Willis showed extraordinary bravery to continue to play when clearly injured including a few excellent saves considering his ailment. 
We have now hit the halfway point of the 2024/25 season with Alfreton a point worse off than at this stage last season but in the same place in the table in 10th.
Darlington arrive at the Impact Arena in fine fettle.an 8 game unbeaten with four clean sheets has seen the Quakers rise up the table rapidly to sixth place.
Having suffered back to back league defeats for the first time since August 2023 there is no let up and history isnt on the Reds side either with no home wins over the County Durham in eight previous meetings at the Impact Arena in National League Ofton are still looking for their first win.

Admission for each Vanarama National League North fixture at the Impact Arena during the 2024/25 season is:

Adult - £15
Concession (Over 65yrs) - £10
16-21yrs & Students £10
Under 15yrs - £3
Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets can be purchased here - https://ticketpass.org/event/EQZNFN/alfreton-town-fc-v-darlington-2

Parking at the Impact Arena is incredibly limited. We recommend 
the pay and display parking on Rogers Lane, DE55 7FF and also at Severn Square, DE55 7BT - both are a five to ten minute walk to and from the Impact Arena.

Please be considerate of residents on the estate next to the arena, particularly Connaught Court, Bentley Close and North Street. We ask supporters to avoid parking in the residential areas around the ground and instead ask that you follow the advice and park in the pay and display car parks