For the second year running Alfreton Town have missed out on the chance of a huge payday by falling at the very first hurdle in the Second Qualifying Round of the FACup, this time at the hands of Derbyshire rivals Buxton FC.

The Reds did though get the ideal start with a goal inside 150 seconds, when Matt Rhead headed home from a trademark long throw by Adam Lund, but the Bucks were level through former Alfreton striker Scott Boden on his debut by the 14th minute.

The goal was well taken from an angle following a deep cross from the left, then a few minutes later a Shun Brisley free-kick needed to be dealt with by Alfreton keeper George Willis.

The visitors picked up the pace again, kicking downhill on the unfamiliar artificial pitch, with Bailey Hobson twice going close before Rhead's header from another Lund throw took a deflection off a defender without a corner being awarded.

As the first half drew to a conclusion yet another penetrating throw by Lund saw Dwayne Wiley go close at the back post, then Fraser Preston cut in from the right only for his shot to be held comfortably by home keeper Mathew Hudson.

The writing was on the wall just five minutes into the second half when Luke Burke found space to fire past Willis to give the Bucks a 2-1 lead, and despite continual pressure Alfreton could not find an equaliser.

Hobson came closest with a blistering drive that needed tipping over by Hudson with 18 minutes remaining, having earlier given the keeper an easier task with a shot from the edge of the area.

Manager Billy Heath threw Tom Denton on in the latter stages to partner Rhead up front, but despite an influx of late corners and further long throws the home defence stood firm.

ALFRETON: Willis; Lund, Wilder [Cantrill 59], F.Preston [Denton 81], Smith, Wiley,
Whitham [Butterfield 67], Branson, Rhead, D.Preston, Hobson.
other subs: Ward, Njie, Askew.

Referee: James Bancroft
Attendance: 695

Image kind courtesy of Bill Wheatcroft