Alfreton Town came agonisingly close to taking a hard-fought point from South Shields on Tuesday night, only to be undone by two stoppage-time goals at the Impact Arena.

The Reds produced a far stronger performance than in Saturday’s loss at Darlington, working tirelessly against a Mariners side who carried plenty of attacking threat throughout. For much of the evening, Alfreton defended with determination and looked set to frustrate their high-flying hosts.

South Shields created the first real opening in the 16th minute when a clever move ended with Will Jenkins firing wide from close range. Just minutes later, Dan Dodds delivered a teasing ball into the box, but it drifted beyond the reach of Paul Blackett.

The visitors were on the front foot for large spells of the first half, but Alfreton stood firm. At the break, the Reds were level at 0-0 and could take plenty of encouragement from the way they had nullified much of Shields’ play.

The Mariners came out strongly again after the restart. Blackett broke through early in the half but was denied by Willis, before Caden Kelly’s cross was headed away for a corner in the 50th minute. The away side also went close when Blackett curled an effort narrowly wide in the 68th minute after a swift attacking move.

Alfreton continued to battle, with Adam Lund made key interventions on his 200th appearance for the club while substitute Terrell Pennant injected fresh energy and optimism rose that Alfreron could nick all three points.

Rhys Walsh almost set up an opener for the visitors with a well-delivered free-kick that caused problems, but Dillon Morse couldn’t convert as George Willis expertly saved twice in quick succession.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, it looked as though the Reds’ disciplined defending would earn a valuable point but heartbreak struck in the 92nd minute, when Jenkins found Cedwyn Scott in the box to slot home the opener. Moments later, Shields sealed the result as Blackett latched onto a through ball and rounded Willis to make it 2-0.

It was cruel on Billy Heath’s side, who had shown plenty of spirit and organisation for the majority of the contest. The Reds will take positives from their improved defensive display and will be determined to build on it into the August bank holiday double header.

Alfreton Town line-up: Willis, Newall, Leckie, Hunt, Perritt, Lund, German (Beresford 90+2’), Anson, Fewster, Dodoo (Pennant 69’), McDonagh (Ligendza 84’).

Unused: Wright, Derham, Solademi, Barrett

Attendance: 435

Photo courtesy of Chris Clarke