Alfreton Town return to home comforts on Saturday afternoon as they open up their home fixture program in National League North with the visit of Darlington FC to the Impact Arena on Match Day Two.

The Reds travelled south to face new boys Bedford Town on the opening weekend of the Enterprise National League North season. They fell behind to a dead-ball free kick from experienced striker Tyrone Marsh but responded quickly, with the impressive Siya Ligendza scoring his first competitive goal for the club after a precise through ball from Max Hunt.

Alfreton completed the turnaround with around fifteen minutes to play through Billy Fewster after the home goalkeeper misjudged the trajectory of a cross.

Bedford piled on the pressure in the closing stages, desperate to salvage a point. An overhit cross was recycled into the area after a fortunate deflection off the underside of the bar. Alfreton defended bravely, but Marsh was on hand to grab his and Bedford’s second of the match with the final kick of the game.

Although disappointing, the 2-2 result earned the Reds a point and is an improvement on the last two campaigns. It provides a platform to build on ahead of two tricky home games in the coming days.

First up in DE55 is the visit of Darlington FC. Similar to Alfreton, the Quakers are very experienced at this level and are about to embark on their 10th consecutive season at Step 2. However, Darlington have not finished in the play-offs since their first season in the league and have only made the top ten on one other occasion since then.

The Quakers are still under the management of experienced North East boss Steve Watson and will be looking to improve last season's 11th placed finish.

The County Durham side began their season with a home defeat to bogey side Chorley, marking the seventh time in the last eight seasons they have lost their opening game. The visitors will take heart from their record at the Impact Arena, where they remain unbeaten in their last nine visits.

Billy Heath`s men will be eager to kick start their season and put that unwanted record against Darlington to rest but will be under no illusions at the difficulty of the task.

Nathan Newall is set to make his 100th appearance for the Reds in this fixture having previously worn the shirt of Darlington in his career after coming through the Sunderland academy.

Tickets

Online Tickets Encouraged

To help speed up entry at the turnstiles and assist the club in planning food, drink, and staffing requirements, supporters are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online via: https://tktp.as/ETNSWG

Tickets will also be available on the gate via cash or card, but buying online helps everyone enjoy a smoother matchday experience.

Fan Separation

Fan Separation will be in force for this fixture with away fans kindly asked to enter the arena via the Alma Street entrance

Travel

Leave the M1 at Junction 28, then take the A38 towards Derby for two miles, before heading off on the B600 slip road. At the T-junction, turn right towards the town centre and turn left at the pedestrian crossing into North Street, the ground is on the right-hand side.

Parking

Pay and display parking is available on Rogers Lane (DE55 7FF) and also at Severn Square (DE55 7BT) both are a 5-10 minute walk from the ground. Surrounding areas and neighbouring streets are also available, but we request that you are respectful of local residents and not to block driveways.

Club Shop

The club shop will be open before the match stocking official club merchandise. The club shop is immediately right once you enter through the main turnstiles.

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 look forward to welcoming you all to the Impact Arena as we embark on another exciting campaign! Come on Ofton

#ATFC | #Ofton