Alfreton Town return to the Impact Arena tomorrow afternoon looking to claim a big three points in what's been a difficult portion of the season in terms of form, the games don't get any easier with the visit of 8th placed Gateshead in the National League North, kick off is 3pm.

The Reds struggles had been compounded with Tuesday night's below par defeat to rivals Matlock Town who reside in the league below. It was a performance which saw us lack an attacking edge and at times, fail to match up to the Gladiators work rate and desire within the game.

After falling behind with just two minutes gone, Matlock added a second on 17 to give them daylight in the game and leave Alfreton with massive amounts of work to do. Too often our attacks broke down with little threat on goal, especially within the first half.

The second half saw us come out much better but concede early in the half to give plenty food for thought as to what lies ahead for the Reds in the second portion of the season. Dom Smith would grab a consolation just after the hour mark, finishing off a neat move and pass from Ben Tomlinson. But the damage was done and it was a deserved win for Matlock and not only an exit for the holders from another cup competition this season but a score-line which the Reds will be desperate to react to tomorrow.

A 3-1 defeat to our rivals from the league below perhaps could be the perfect ammunition needed to kick Alfreton back into gear in what's been a poor run of form over the last few months. We head into tomorrow's game having won just one of our last 11 games in all competitions, sitting 15th in the league; we are seven points behind Southport who sit 12th, three points tomorrow could see us go 13th.

Home form has seen back to back league draws to Kings Lynn and Telford, so we'll be looking to extend this unbeaten home run to three games tomorrow, but the Reds last win at the Impact Arena came on the 7th September, a 3-2 win over Curzon.

Gateshead are on the road for the second time this week, after a 0-0 draw at Leamington on Tuesday night. The Heed are 8th in the league table with 38 points from 24 games.

Their current playing record stands at: P24, W10, D8, L6.

The Heed head into the game unbeaten in their last five matches, they have kept a clean sheet in their last three fixtures. With Gateshead just outside the play off positions by a point, three tomorrow would be huge for their play-off ambitions.

Gateshead are unbeaten in their last four away games, three of these have been draws including the last two. However the visitors have only won once in their last seven away games in all competitions.

Ground Address:
The Impact Arena, North Street, Alfreton, DE55 7FZ.

Admission:
Adults: £14, Concessions: £10, U16s: £2.

Visitor information and parking:
Food and drink facilities are available with two food outlets located in the ground. Alcoholic drinks are available from the bar with covered seating and standing also available to visiting fans.

We have a small car park next to the ground for a small fee, otherwise it is street parking in the surrounding roads, but please be respectful to our neighbours.

Form (Last five):
Reds - DDWLL
Gateshead - WDWWD

Last Time Out:
Saturday 7th December 2019: Gateshead 3-1 Alfreton Town
The Reds lost at the GIS last month in the first meeting between the sides this season. The Heed took the lead thanks Kayode's finish on nine minutes, Dale Whitham would grab an equaliser with a low shot on 57 before Preston hit a stunner on 78 and Kayode grabbed a superb individual goal for his second to wrap the points up and gain a much needed home win.