Alfreton Town head in to the August Bank Holiday Double Header still searching for that spark to kit start their National League North season. Its been a tough start and an away trip trip to another full time outfit in league newcomers Macclesfield FC probably wouldnt be want the doctor orded after the latest defeat to South Shields on Tuesday night. Despite the setback the performance was a much improved one on the previous showing against Darlington. Billy Heath`s men put in a really shift with gusto, hard work and application against a highly impressive dangerous Shields side. While the Reds struggled to create against their full time opponents they almost did enough to frustrate the Mariners and take a share of the points but two goals in added time at the end of the game from the striking duo of Cedwyn Scott an Paul Blackett sealed a 2-0 win for the visitors. While notwithstanding the obvious disappointment of the result which saw Alfreton crash to the bottom of the league table there were some positives to take forward from the game.
However the facts are Alfreton have made their worst start to a league season for 10 years and are bottom of the table for the first time since 2014/15.

Alfreton Town will be eager to get that elusive first win of the season but ahead of important home game against Marine on Easter Monday they face the daunting task of making the short trip north to Cheshire to face highly fancied Macclesfield FC.

The Silkmen romped to the Northern Premier League Premier Division last season with a huge 109 goals gaining a massive 109 points with just a three league defeats suffered.

Its a been a season of upheaval for Macc however with the news that manager Robbie Savage departed to take over the vacant managerial at National League club Forest Green Rovers taking three senior players with him to Gloucestershire including Tre Pemberton, Laurent Mendy and Neil Kengni.
Savage was replaced by John Rooney the brother of Manchester United legend Wayne. Its the 34 year old`s first managerial post after retiring from playing.
Macclesfield have made a strong beginning to the campaign beating fellow NPL promoted side Worksop Town 3-1 and Southport away 2-1, sandwiched in between was a surprise loss at Oxford City.

The hosts playing squad includes a number of ex Reds including defender Luke Matheson who signed for the Silkmen following his departure from Bolton Wanderers and striker Danny Elliott who memorably scored a hat trick on his Alfreton debut in a 6-1 thrashing of Gloucester City. Midfielder Elliott Whitehouse also had a short spell well with Alfreton back in 2014.

Saturday will be Alfreton`s first league visit to Moss Rose since a 2-0 in the Football Conference in 2014 - the last season the Reds suffered a relegation.

Their have been three meetings between the sides since. Alfreton met in the old Macclesfield Town in the final qualifying round of the FA Cup 10 years with the Cheshire emerging from a tight contest with 3-2 victory.

More recently the clubs famously locked horns in both cup competitions two seasons ago with Billy Heaths Ofton emerging on top in the FA Cup (3-1) but Macc enacting a measure of revenge in the FA Trophy (2-4)

We hope to see as many Reds in Cheshire as possible as we look to kickstart our season. Come on Ofton!

Tickets

Online tickets are heavily encouraged ahead of the trip to Macclesfield and can be purchased here: https://macclesfieldfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/macclesfield_fc_v

Whilst you can purchased on the day at the ground, you must visit the club reception before heading to the turnstiles.

Seated Standing

Adult Adult

£19 £18

Concession (Over 65)

£15 £14

Student

£12 £11

Under 18

£ 9 £8

Under 12

£ 4 £3.50

Disabled (including Carer)

£15 £15

Travel (Supporters Coach)

Those wishing to travel on the Supporters Association bus, please contact Mark on 07857 558401. Departure is at 09:45 from the Impact Arena.

Travel (Car)

Leave Alfreton on the A38 to the M1 at Junction 28. Exit at Junction 29 for the A617 to Chesterfield, then follow the A619 and A6 through Buxton. Take the A537 into Macclesfield, turn left onto the A523 at the station, and the Leasing.com Stadium is a mile on the right

Parking

The club provides a limited car park behind the South Stand—arriving early helps secure a space.

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