Hot on the heels of Saturday’s defeat at Hereford FC, Alfreton Town face another long trip south as they head to the university city of Oxford for only the second time to take on Oxford City FC in National League North action this Tuesday evening.

After a positive August Bank Holiday that brought an improved performance against Macclesfield and a precious first win of the season at home to Marine, the Reds were brought back down to earth at the weekend.

Billy Heath’s men struggled to find their rhythm and fell behind just after the quarter hour mark to a fine strike from Andy Williams, who fired home from just outside the area. Alfreton kept battling, but it was the hosts who remained on the front foot. Williams doubled his and Hereford’s tally on 52 minutes, glancing a near-post header past George Willis from a corner.

Conceding from a set piece would have frustrated Heath, and things got worse shortly after when Jack Leckie was dismissed for a second bookable offence after dragging back Omari Sterling-James just past the hour.

Ben Beresford came on in the second half and made a positive impact, but it was Hereford who continued to look the more likely to extend their lead. Willis had to be at his best, producing a string of fine saves to deny I-Lani Edwards as the 10 men dug in. Beresford managed Alfreton’s first effort on target deep into stoppage time, but in truth it was a poor display from the Reds. The management team will be demanding a strong reaction in what already feels like an early six pointer against Oxford City.

The defeat saw Alfreton slip two places to 20th, just one spot above the relegation zone, with five points from six matches. Oxford, meanwhile, are in their second consecutive season at this level following relegation from the National League in 2023/24. Under Ross Jenkins, they narrowly avoided the drop last term and have made a mixed start this time around. They have just one win to their name so far, a 2-1 victory over Macclesfield, and sit in 22nd with four points from six games.

The Reds’ only previous trip to The MGroup Stadium came on a freezing November night in 2024, when quickfire goals from Adam Anson and Jake Day turned the game on its head and secured a 2-1 win. Heath will be desperate for a repeat outcome, though it will not be easy. Oxford head into this fixture off the back of a heavy 5-1 home defeat to Radcliffe, having played much of the match with 10 men. It was a similar situation before last season’s meeting, when they arrived on the back of a 7-0 loss to Buxton.

We hope to see a strong following make the journey south from Derbyshire as the Reds search for three vital Enterprise National League North points.

Come on, ‘Ofton!

Travel (Supporters Coach)

Those wishing to travel on the Supporters Association bus, please contact Mark on 07857 558401. Departure is at 16:00 from the Impact Arena.

Travel (Car)

Leave the M40 at Junction 9 and take the A34 towards Oxford. Follow the A34 for seven miles until you reach the A44/A40 turn off. Leave the A34 and at the roundabout take the ring road towards London (A40)/Oxford.

At the next roundabout take the second exit continuing along the ring road, which is now the A40 in the direction of London. Proceed along the A40 for two miles and then and then leave and take the slip road signposted Marston and Hospital.

Follow the slip road around and over the A40 and this brings you onto Marsh Lane. The entrance to the stadium is just down on the left.

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