Pre season: Day penalty seals opening win

Jake Day's first half penalty sealed a first win for the Reds in our first fixture since March 14th, as Billy Heath's side began pre season in perfect fashion.

Elliot Reeves was brought down just inside the box and Day smashed the penalty home which proved to be the crucial difference between the two sides. The Reds will be delighted to have come through the first game in five months with a steady and hardworking performance against a side four games into their pre season preparations.

Basford had some good chances in the first half with Marshall firing over the bar when well placed. Bobby Johnson had a free kick saved by Preston before George Willis denied Towle's low effort.

George produced another crucial save to deny Towle who was played through but the Reds goalie's legs rescued and kept the lead intact.

The second half was far quieter with a young Reds side given the task to see the result out and in turn gain valuable minutes. Adam Lund cleared off the line from a Basford set piece in one of few second half openings.

Towle then held off Dom Smith but could only fire over Teddy Unwin-Marris' goal from a tight angle. The Basford forward then headed wide of the far post in the box, ex Red James Clifton dragged a shot well wide and Kyle Dixon forced another goal-line clearance as the hosts couldn't find a leveller.

The final chance came to the Reds as a trialist curled a free kick onto the post from just outside the box as Alfreton sealed a 1-0 win and gave us the perfect start to pre season.

A big thank you to the travelling Alfreton fans who made the trip, it was fantastic to have your support on the sidelines after such a long time away. ATFC next travel to Mickleover on Tuesday night, 7.45pm kick off.

ATFCXI: (First half): Willis, Clackstone, Fox, Smith, Lees, Bradley, Branson, Johnson, Day, Trialist, Reeves.

ATFCXI: (Second half): Unwin Marris, Hinchley, Wiley (Smith 46), Lees (Clackstone 74), Lund, Trialist, Clarke, Grice, Trialist, Tuton, Trialist.

Attendance: 300