Pre season Report: Reds narrowly beaten by Magpies

Alfreton Town produced an impressive performance throughout as we fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat to National League neighbours Notts County on Saturday afternoon.

All three goals came in the second half after a very even first period, the Magpies took the lead three minutes into the second half when Thomas tapped home following a cross from the right found him unmarked.

We responded on 54 minutes when a mix up at the back between Notts goalkeeper Slocombe and the defender saw the loose ball fall for Nicky Walker who planted the ball into the bottom corner with confidence.

The deciding goal came on 77 minutes when Doyle was clipped in the box with a penalty then awarded. Kyle Wootton stepped up to convert into the bottom corner.

The first half produced a real tight contest, both sides were aiming to control the ball but it was the Reds who pressed and had the clear chances as the first half progressed.

Notts cleared an early Bobby Johnson free kick before denying James Jones a header in the box with a scramble resulting in a foul on their first half goalkeeper Pilling. Bobby had multiple free kicks with the first going just wide of the top right corner and the second going into the wall.

George Willis was called into action to palm away Kelly-Evans near post shot on 23 minutes. Pilling then denied a Dan Bradley low free kick at the near post before a Walker cross from the left sailed all the way through to the far post where Lee Shaw just couldn't connect.

The second half brought the opener with Thomas tapping home from a yard out on 48 but the Reds didn't let the opener faze them and pushed on. Shaw's flick nearly found Walker in the box but second half goalie Slocombe raced out well.

Then with 54 gone, Walker levelled following that mistake at the back to fire low into the bottom corner. Slocombe then produced a cracking save on 62 to tip away Walker's low shot in the box.

Jake Day then hit the top of the bar with a curling shot on 71 before Doyle was clipped in the box to give Notts a penalty which Wootton converted.

However despite the result, it was a fantastic run out for the Reds who looked very impressive for long periods in the game and had plenty of chances and positives to take from the contest.

The next scheduled pre season friendly for ATFC sees the visit of Chesterfield on Saturday, kick off is 12noon.

ATFC First Half XI: Willis, Clackstone, Fox, Branson, Jones, Lees, Walker, Bradley (c), Tuton, Johnson, Shaw.

ATFC Second Half XI: Willis, Lund, Fox (Trialist 60), Branson (Grice 74), Jones (Lees 84), Smith, Walker (Trialist 67), Bradley (c) (Trialist 79), Day, Clarke, Shaw (Reeves 57).

Attendance: Behind Closed Doors