Chorley 2-0 Alfreton
Match report by Matty Cotterill
The Reds made the trip to Lancashire to take on Chorley following Tuesday nights draw against Darlington.
Alfreton were in pursuit of their first league win since beating Scarborough 0-2 back on 8th February.
That task wouldn’t be easy, as only 90 seconds into the match at Victory Park Blakeman floated in a corner for the hosts which met the boot of Calveley at the back stick who gave The Magpies an early advantage.
Alfreton looked to reply to the hosts early goal after a set piece routine would lead to Adam Lund turning Jed Abbey’s mis-hit shot on target which was cleared off the line by Blakeman, preventing a certain goal.
Calveley would earn a brace as Blakeman’s long throw bounced twice in the Ofton box before the midfielder controlled it with his chest and doubled Chorley’s lead.
Following Alfreton protests that the ball actually came off Calveley’s hand, not his chest, lead to Billy Heath receiving a red card, sending the Ofton manger to the stands.
It looked like The Reds had a mountain to climb in the second period which was nearly made steeper as Wilson glanced a header goal-ward, but Sykes-Kenworthy got down to make the save preventing the hosts extending their lead
Alfreton looked to find an avenue back into the match as Clackstone’s cross found Abbey arriving at the back post, who headed the ball down into the ground which forced a fantastic save from Chorley keeper Matt Urwin.
Owen German would be next to test The Mags’ shot stopper after he found himself in a pocket of space, he drove the ball low towards the far corner but once again Urwin was up to the task.
Ofton nearly set up an interesting end to the match after Wiley rattled the bar with a header in stoppage time, the ball dropped in the box and after a flurry of attempts from The Reds and the ball was eventually cleared.
Despite a promising second half performance Alfreton left empty handed from their trip to Lancashire
Ofton now sit 10 points clear of the relegation zone in 18th position.
Alfreton’s next match is against Leamington at the Impact Arena on Tuesday the 25th of March with a 7:45pm kick off.

Attendance: 1697