After a positive summer with a number of impressive performances against higher league opposition a new era begins in earnest on Saturday for Alfreton Town as the Reds make their trip South for a maiden clash with Enterprise National League North new boys Bedford Town.

The Bedfordshire outfit have had one previous rodeo at Step Two of the English Non League Pyramid in their history when they competed in the 2006/07 Conference South finishing in last place with just 31 points from their 42 league matches.

Tipped to struggle again by many The Eagles will be looking to spring a surprise on their much anticipated return to the National League.

Lee Bircham`s side arrive at this level on the back of a rare feat of back to back promotions and will be looking to use the feel good factor and momentum this brings to hit the ground running on the opening day of the season.

While this will be Alfreton`s first competitive meeting with the Eagles the two teams were drawn out of the hat during the COVID Pandemic in the 2020/21 edition of the FA Trophy competition at the Second Round stage but the fixture had to be cancelled and Billy Heath`s Reds were handed a bye to the next stage after the Bedford squad was struck down by COVID.

Bedford have won 3 drawn 2 and lost 2 of their preparation contests this summer. Victories have been recorded against Kings Langley, Ware and a Watford XI. Interestingly the Eagles lost their last two friendlies at home to National League South Hemel Hempstead and most recently 3-1 away to Taunton Town on Saturday.

Bedford Manager Lee Bircham has been handed a nine match touchline ban for a misdemeanor last season ad so will be absent from the sidelines.
He missed one game last season with Bedford on the end of a heavy 6-2 defeat at AFC Telford United

Alfreton Town head in to the new season on the back of a typically tough and challenging pre season against a plethora of league sides but Alfreton rolled their sleeves up and earned notable draws against Doncaster Rovers and a strong Chesterfield side. Indeed Billy Heath`s side didn't lose a game by more than a single goal. It did come at a cost however with Josh Clackstone,George Cantrill and long term absentee Lewis Salmon

Alfreton have a turbulent relationship with opening day fixtures. Indeed Alfreton have not won any since 2017 under the stewardship of previous manager John McDermott (2-0 at home to Blyth Spartans). Its an even longer wait for a victory on their travels on Day 1 with a 3-0 win away at Farsley way back in August 2009 the last time the Reds tated success on the road of the opening day of a campaign.

There is more history on offer with the Reds yet to record a win in the county of Bedfordshire so Billy Heath`s men will be eager to start the season in the right way and create a little piece of history in the process.

While the backbone of the squad has largely remained in place over the summer Billy Heath has made a number of exciting editions to his playing squad who will be in line to make their competitive bows for the club including Ben Beresford who after being released by Birmingham City has teamed up with Ofton after gaining National League North experience at Gloucester City, Banbury United and Kidderminster Harriers. Another playing to put pen to paper was Siya Ligendza who has looked good during pre season as he looks to make his marking after previously donning the colours of Eastbourne Borough and AFC Fylde young Centre back jackie Leckie may be in line for a debut after being released by Hull City along with talented young striker Charlie Gill on loan from league neighbours Notts County.

We hope to see as many of you Reds down in Bedfordshire as the lads look to record the perfect start to the new Eneterprise National League North season! COME ON OFTON!

Tickets

Save time and money on match day and buy your tickets before you get to the ground. You can either print them at home and head to the turnstile or show the e-ticket straight from your mobile phone! Admission is £2 more expensive at the gate.

Link: https://bedfordtownfc.ktckts.com/event/bdt2526h03/eagles-vs-alfreton-town

ATFCSA Travel

Those wishing to travel on the Supporters Association bus, please contact Mark on 07857 558401. Departure is at 09:00 from the Impact Arena.

Travel (Car)

Leave the M1 at Junction 13 and take the A421 towards Bedford. Continue on the A421, then take the exit for the A603 towards Sandy. After joining the A603, continue for about 200 yards before turning left into Meadow Lane. The ground is signposted and located on the left-hand side.

Parking

Parking at the stadium is limited to around 120 cars. Bedford Town operate an overflow car park thanks to their neighbouring business Dunbia. The overflow car park increases parking capacity to around 250 cars. There is also a third overflow car park which is located at the back of the stadium on a fully-grassed area.

Please Note: Meadow Lane is home to two football clubs, our hosts and Bedford FC. Please do not park in Bedford FC's car park beyond their sign and gate as it will likely be locked before full time and we have no access to retrieve your car

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