Last Time Out
There was a much improved performance and attitude from the Reds on Saturday compared to their preceding match, as Alfreton persevered throughout. Siya Ligendza was terrific all afternoon and ran himself into the ground for the cause, so it was fitting that it was him who popped up with the equalizer in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time to salvage a deserved share of the points against Kidderminster Harriers.

Ofton were unfortunate to go into the break a goal down after Tobi Sho-Silva turned in a corner during first-half injury time. Alfreton were indebted to a couple of vitally important saves from Harry Burgoyne to keep them in the game, while at the other end, the electric Ligendza forced a fine stop from the Harriers keeper. Loanees Harry Hawkins and Bayley McCann, signed in the week from Derby County and Barnsley respectively, both made their full debuts in a Reds shirt and impressed, with McCann in particular showing a few great bursts forward.

Overall, it was a strong showing and hopefully a platform for Alfreton to climb the table in the coming weeks.

Standings Update
Since the last update, Alfreton have picked up two draws, away at Peterborough Sports and at home to Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday, but have also suffered defeats against Chester and Buxton. This means Alfreton sit in 22nd in the Enterprise National League North table with 2 wins, 5 draws, and 7 defeats from 14 games, leaving them with 11 points.

Next Up for the Reds
Reds manager, Jake Buxton, is still awaiting his first victory in charge, and the challenge for his squad doesn’t get any easier with a tricky midweek trip to Chorley on Tuesday night, followed by the visit of pace-setters AFC Fylde to the Impact Arena on Saturday. Ofton will take heart from Chorley’s record of just two points gained from a possible twelve against the other members of the bottom five.

On our previous visit to Chorley last season in March, two goals from Mike Calveley secured a comfortable 2-0 win for the Magpies in front of a bumper crowd on Non-League Day 2025.

Chorley are currently without a win in six matches, despite sitting inside the top ten, and most recently suffered a 2-1 defeat at Peterborough Sports on Saturday.

Under 23 Professional Development Programme
Ryan Conneely’s side continued their impressive start to life in the National Youth League U23 Division North with another five-goal display, earning an entertaining 5-3 win over IDA Sheffield thanks to a hat-trick from Quelle Weekes and a brace from Logan Dimmock-Fox. The team sits in fourth place. Their next game is away in the Cup at Tamworth FC on November 10th.

Under 19 Academy
Matt Carbon’s young Reds have found their best vein of form in recent weeks, winning three of their last four outings. On October 22nd, goals from Khamari White and Alan Miagera secured a 2-1 victory over Rochdale Under-19s at Ilkeston Town FC’s new Manor Ground, the first meeting between the clubs at any level in the League Cup competition. The Second Round Draw is yet to be done, so we will confirm an opponent once known.

In the league, the youngsters moved up to seventh in the table with a convincing 5-3 win away at Stockport County. A brace from Kaigh Spencer and Finlay Langford, and a strike from Khamari White, secured the win.

Matt Carbon and the U19s are next in action at home to Buxton in the league on Wednesday, November 12th.

Squad News
Since the last issue of Reds Revealed, the playing squad has undergone a period of change as new boss Jake Buxton works to shape the team to his liking.

Legendary goalkeeper George Willis has departed the Impact Arena after a golden period between the posts since signing for the Reds in 2020 for his second spell with the club. His career has been packed full of memories for the Ofton faithful to cherish, from a dramatic penalty save to secure FA Cup progression over Emley AFC, to saving two penalties in one game against Darlington, and countless superb stops in between. George will not only be missed for his stellar performances on the pitch, but also for his excellent leadership in organising the defence and being a great senior figure in the dressing room. Everyone at the club would like to sincerely thank George for his significant contribution and wish him well at Sheffield United, with a warm welcome back to the Impact Arena anytime.

Other departures from the football club include centre-back David Solademi, who had his contract terminated last week. David joined Alfreton in January 2025 from Alvechurch and scored once in 27 appearances while in Ofton colours.

Aaron Keto-Diyawa, Terrell Pennant and Austin Samuels have also been released to make way for new additions to the squad. Terrell made a positive impression as an impact sub in the majority of his 10 appearances, while Austin Samuels scored the winner against AFC Telford on September 20th.

The club would like to extend a big thank you to each and every departing player and wish them well in their future endeavours.

However, new boss Jake Buxton has also been busy adding to both his playing squad and his backroom team as Alfreton look to lift themselves clear of danger.

A trio of talented youngsters have been signed on loan from EFL sides:

Defender, Taylor Anderson has been signed on a one-month loan from EFL League One side Mansfield Town. Taylor, who turns 21 on Wednesday, has previously enjoyed successful loan spells at Basford United and Ilkeston Town.

Midfielder, Harry Hawkins was also brought in on loan from EFL Championship neighbours Derby County on a 28-day deal last week. Harry Hawkins is highly thought of at Pride Park after some eye-catching performances in the Professional Development set-up. Hawkins also helped AFC Telford earn promotion to National League North last term and had a short loan spell at Bedford Town earlier this season.

Left-back, Bayley McCann has joined on loan from Barnsley until January 2026. Bayley McCann is the son of former Peterborough United and Cheltenham Town hotshot Grant McCann, who is currently the manager of Doncaster Rovers. Bayley came through the youth system at Posh before recently moving to South Yorkshire club Barnsley. Like Hawkins, Bayley McCann has previous non-league experience with two loan spells at league rivals Peterborough Sports, where he made almost 30 appearances. A left-back by trade, McCann is a talented prospect and has already popped up with a few crucial goals in his fledgling career, including the winner for Peterborough Sports against Marine earlier this season.

In addition, Jake Buxton moved to strengthen the goalkeeping department with the exciting signing of EFL shot-stopper Harry Burgoyne. Twenty-eight-year-old Burgoyne has an impressive CV; having progressed through the ranks at Wolves, he gained experience as a youngster with National League North loans at Lowestoft Town, AFC Telford, and Corby. More recently, he has enjoyed success in the EFL with Shrewsbury Town and made 34 appearances for Morecambe last season in League Two. Since joining the Reds, Burgoyne has performed exceptionally, particularly in Saturday’s outing against Kidderminster.

Coaching Update
Since his arrival at the Impact Arena, Jake has also been working hard to strengthen his backroom team, and to this end, the club is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Turner as First Team Coach.

Ben, 37, has enjoyed a strong career in the EFL, including significant spells at Cardiff City, Burton Albion, and Notts County. Turner finished his playing career at local sides Buxton and Ilkeston Town. He also had a spell as assistant at the New Manor Ground in 2022, followed by further coaching roles at Forest Green Rovers and, more recently, as assistant at Woking in the National League.

Milestone
Lewis Salmon is set to make his 100th appearance in an Alfreton shirt on Tuesday evening if selected. Salmon has 24 goals to his name for Alfreton. Lewis is currently in his second spell at the club. After coming through the academy at Nottingham Forest  Lewis initially signed for Ofton from the Premier League club on loan scoring 1 goal in eight appearances. After being released by Forest that summer then manager Billy Heath acted quickly to recruit the striker on a permanent basis with Lewis becoming a favourite with the fans during his time at the Impact Arena.

Tickets 
Tickets for tomorrow nights away game at Chorley can be purchased online from the Chorley website below:
https://tickets.chorleyfc.com/events/Chorleyvsalftow25

Tickets at Victory Park are priced at £17 for Adults and £13 for Concessions.

Tickets to our next home game on Saturday against AFC Fylde are also available to purchase online with pay on the gate also available here:   
https://ticketpass.org/event/EIFZAW/alfreton-town-fc-v-afc-fylde-5