Pre season Report: Reds denied by late equaliser

Alfreton Town were denied a third win out of three in pre season, as a battling Winterton Rangers snatched a draw late on in the latest pre season friendly for the Reds on Tuesday night.

Dan Bradley gave us the lead on 34 with a low shot which squeezed under the goalkeeper before a Ryan Thompson header at the far post beat Teddy Unwin-Marris in stoppage time.

The Reds controlled the first half with a Trialist being denied by Popple's feet. Elliott Reeves was then denied following a good pass from Bobby Johnson, Bobby's free kick moments later produced an easy catch for the hosts goalie.

Reeves hit the post on 13 before firing wide of the post on 27. Alfreton continued to boss the contest but continued to be denied by Popple in the Rangers goal. Bradley then gave us the lead with a shot which went in at the near post as we finally took one of our many chances.

Adam Lund's shot was saved as we headed into the second half with many changes. The half saw efforts from Harvey Grice, Trialist and Bobby but all were denied. Popple then saved a Trialist's header at the far post.

However in stoppage time, a header was flicked on and Thompson nodded home to give the hosts a very credible draw despite defending for most of the game. The Reds were left to rue missed chances and will next face a first home pre season friendly on Saturday, when Notts County visit the Impact.

ATFC First Half XI:
Willis, Lund, Fox, Branson, Smith, Lees, Reeves, Bradley (c), Day, Johnson, Trialist.

ATFC Second Half XI:
Willis (Unwin-Marris 75), Lund, Hinchley, Trialist, Clarke, Smith (Trialist 70), Trialist, Day (Branson 66), Grice, Johnson (Trialist 70), Trialist.

Attendance: 300