Monday 17th March 2014
by Matt Carter
Match pics by Dave Pursglove - full gallery HERE

Chester 0-1 Alfreton Town FC
Skrill Premier Division
Deva Stadium, Saturday 15th March 2014, ko 3pm

Alfreton Town flirted briefly with second spot in the Skrill Premier on Saturday - their highest ever position - but then came the news that they had been deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player in the 3-1 win at Kidderminster Harriers a fortnight before Christmas.

Far worse though was the horrendous injury suffered by Michael Wylde (left), just before half-time, which resulted in the defender fracturing both tibia and fibia as well as being shown a yellow card for the tackle on John Rooney as he was being stretchered off, the incident leading to manager Nicky Law being sent off by referee Darren England.

Putting aside the problems, that also saw Andrai Jones join Connor Franklin on the injured list, Alfreton stuck to their task to win 1-0 courtesy of a Shaun Harrad penalty midway through the second half before successfully closing out the game.

Blustery conditions and an unpredictable pitch did not help to produce the most fluent or entertaining of games, but Chester missed reasonable chances early on with Andy Bond sending a ninth minute curler well beyond the back post, whilst Craig Mahon's effort from a precise Ross Killock pass cleared the stand a minute later.


Reds' boss Nicky Law is sent off after the Micheal Wylde incident

Reds' keeper Jon Worsnop blocked Rooney's 15th minute shot with Josh Law heading the loose ball behind for a corner, then former Reds' loanee, defender Killock, was forced to make an early exit when he pulled up with a hamstring injury.

Paul Linwood's header from a 24th minute corner struck both Jones and Wylde, then seven minutes later a snap shot from 35 yards by Job Ayo Akinde posed little threat to Chester keeper Aaron Chapman, who is currently on loan from Chesterfield.

Godfrey Poku's peach of a pass saw Shaun Harrad struggle to make a firm contact, then Akinde took the ball from the half-way line to the edge of the area before firing tamely at Chapman.

HT: 0-0

The second half started with Gareth Seddon dragging a shot wide from 16 yards, then Akinde should have at least tested the keeper when sent clear by Poku in the 50th minute.



Akinde (above) popped up in defence to divert the ball behind from a Seddon cross in the 53rd minute, then in response Harrad was well off target from 20 yards.

Akinde somehow missed an open goal from eight yards on 63 minutes after Chapman had only parried a Harrad shot from a Tom Shaw delivery, but two minutes later Akinde's persistence in striving to reach Dan Bradley's cross won Alfreton a penalty when he was impeded by the keeper, who was booked for his part.



The move had been initiated by substitute Daniel Meadows, with able assistance from Shaw and Harrad (above), in what was by far the Reds' best move of the game, Harrad calmly slotting the spot-kick low past Chapman to register his fifth goal from seven games.

0-1

Worsnop needed to be alert on two more occasions as Alfreton protected their advantage, pawing away an awkward Matty Brown cross on 67 minutes, then racing out of goal to touch the ball away from Brendon Daniels as he shaped to shoot 11 minutes later.

FT: 0-1

ALFRETON TOWN:
15 Worsnop, 7 Law, 16 Fenton, 2 Wood, 10 Bradley,
5 Wylde (6 Kempson, 50 mins), 8 Shaw, 25 Jones (12 Meadows, 57 mins),
23 Poku, 18 Akinde (Booked) (9 Clayton, 75 mins), 24 Harrad (Booked)
Subs not used: 20 Jay McFadzean, 19 Jack Andrews

CHESTER:
31 Aaron Chapman, 5 Paul Linwood, 12 Lewis Turner, 17 Matt Brown,
3 Joe Heath, 27 Ross Killock (7 Craig Hobson, 19 mins),
15 Nathan Turner (34 Jamie Menagh, 72 mins), 24 John Rooney,
16 Andrew Bond, 21 Craig Mahon,
19 Gareth Seddon (20 Brendon Daniels, 76 mins)
Subs not used: 25 Ricky Bridge, 1 John Danby

Goal: Alfreton Town - Shaun Harrad, 66 mins, penalty

Bookings:
Chester FC - Aaron Chapman, Mahon, Daniels
Alfreton Town - Dan Bradley, Michael Wylde, Shaun Harrad, Job Ayo Akinde

Attendance: 2,042 (approx. 115 from Alfreton)

Man of the Match: Tom Shaw

Referee: Darren England (Barnsley)

For more information, please click to visit Alfreton Town FC's Website

RECENT STORIES

REDS MANAGER LAW RETURNS TO THE DUGOUT TO MAKE A POINT AT HOME -
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law was a frustrated man despite seeing his side gain their first Vanarama Conference point of the season from a 1-1 draw with Altrincham at the Impact Arena on Tuesday evening. More...

REDS NEWS ROUND UP - THORNTONS SPONSORSHIP AND VISITING FAN BAN -
Alfreton Town Football Club is pleased to announce that their award winning Community Scheme is set to receive a huge boost in the form of sponsorship from local chocolate company Thorntons. More...

FORMER ALFRETON PLAYER MANAGER, JIM BULLIONS, DIES AGED 90 -
It is with great sadness that Alfreton Town Football Club announce the death of former Reds player and manager James Law Bullions who has passed away at the age of 90. More...

REDS LAY DOWN THE LAW FOR ANOTHER YEAR AND WOMENS FA CUP TICKET NEWS-
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law has agreed a new one-year rolling contract. More...

REDS CHAIRMAN WAYNE BRADLEY HANGS THE 'FOR
SALE' SIGN UP -
Alfreton Town Football Club chairman Wayne Bradley has put the club up for sale, just days after it ended the 2013/14 season in it’s highest ever league position. More...

DRAW FOR ALFRETON AFTER A SIX GOAL THRILLER AT HOME
TO GRIMSBY -
Two crucial decisions that went against Alfreton Town in their televised home game against Grimsby Town on Good Friday, ultimately cost the Reds their last lingering hope of a Skrill Premier play-off place. More...

REDS AIM TO FORCE WAY BACK INTO PLAY-OFF POSITIONS AGAINST ALDERSHOT -
Out of the play-off spots for the first time since mid-December, Alfreton Town will be pushing to reclaim their place in the top five when Aldershot Town visit the Impact Arena tonight, ko 7:45pm. More...

REDS MAKE IT THREE WINS IN A ROW. MATCH REPORT -
Alfreton Town pulled off a vital win against struggling Tamworth at the Impact Arena on Tuesday night, despite falling behind to a seventh minute goal More...

RECORD BREAKING REDS LOOK FORWARD TO THE LAST TEN GAMES -
Alfreton Town eclipsed their previous best ever points total in the Skrill Premier as they enhanced their chances of finishing in the play-off places with a 3-0 home win over Hyde on Tuesday evening More...

ALFRETON HOPE TO RETURN TO WINNING WAYS AT HOME TO LINCOLN -
Reds will be hopeful of returning to winning ways on Saturday afternoon as they welcome Lincoln City to the Impact Arena in this latest Skrill Conference Premier Division fixture. More...

REDS FALL TO CHAMPIONS ELECT PLUS NEWS OF REDUCED PRICES -
Alfreton Town may have become runaway Skrill Premier leaders Luton Town's latest victims as they steamroller their way back into the Football League, but there were many positive signs to emerge from Saturday's game. More...

A TOUGH TASK FOR REDS THIS WEEKEND AS THEY FACE LUTON AWAY. PREVIEW -
Alfreton Town are likely to encounter their toughest test of the season to date on Saturday as they travel to Luton Town in the Skrill Conference Premier. More...

REDS SHARE THE POINTS WITH PLAY OFF RIVALS. MATCH REPORT & NEWS -
Alfreton Town finally managed to stage a home game after seven and a half weeks of inactivity at the Impact Arena, but they were held to only their second home draw of the season by ten-man Gateshead in an absorbing encounter. More...

REDS HOPING FOR GAME TIME THIS SATURDAY. MATCH PREVIEW -
Alfreton Town will be hopeful of finally returning to competitive action at the Impact Arena, with Gateshead the scheduled visitors on Saturday afternoon, in this latest Skrill Conference Premier contest. More...

REDS LOOKING TO CALL THE 'SHOTS' AGAINST DIVISION STRUGGLERS -
After a run of five successive away league fixtures, Alfreton Town entertain Aldershot Town at the Impact Arena in Skrill Premier action on Saturday, kick off 3pm, in a reduced ticket price fixture. More...

DEBUTANT NETS THE WINNER FOR ALFRETON AWAY AT WELLING UTD -
Alfreton Town finally returned to action after an 18-day break with a 2-1 win at Welling United on Saturday 25th January. More...

REDS HOST SOUTHPORT IN FINAL FIXTURE OF 2013 -
Alfreton Town face their last game of 2013 when Southport visit the Impact Arena for a Skrill Premier clash on Saturday, kick off at 3pm. More...

FESTIVE FOOTBALL COMES TO ALFRETON TOWN -
Football fans throughout the local area can get their final fix of top quality Conference football before Christmas, this Saturday, as Alfreton Town take on Dartford at the Impact Arena More...

REDS' COLOURS CURRENTLY ON DISPLAY ABOARD
HMS ILLUSTRIOUS! -
Alfreton Town FC's colours are being proudly displayed by two local sailors, currently far from these shores. More...

LAYING DOWN THE LAW. REDS BOSS DEMANDS WORKRATE AND OTHER NEWS -
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law will be looking for a huge reaction from his players for this Saturday's FA Trophy first round home tie against Skrill Premier rivals Nuneaton Town at the Impact Arena More...

IT'S GOOD NEWS ALL ROUND FOR THE
REDS -
It's been a good news week for the Reds, with an announcement that Alfreton Town Council have continued their long support of Alfreton Town Football Club More...

REDS GET AN AWAY TIE IN FA CUP 4TH ROUND DRAW AND SUSPENSION NEWS -
Alfreton Town have been handed an away tie at Skrill North, joint league-leaders, North Ferriby United in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round. More...

ALFRETON HOPING TO STING THE BEES THIS WEEKEND -
Coming off the back of claiming a point against unbeaten league leaders Cambridge United in midweek, Alfreton Town will enter Saturday's Skrill Premier clash against Barnet in confident mood. More...

GAFFER FULL OF PRAISE FOR FULL ON REDS -
Reds Boss Nicky Law was full of praise for his new-look side after seeing them gain their first victory of the season with a 3-1 win over a very strong Kidderminster Harriers side More...

REDS' BOSS LAW RELISHES NEW SEASON LAUNCH -
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law feels his squad is in good shape as the Reds get set for the big Skrill Premier kick-off at Dartford on Saturday. More...

TWO MORE IN FOR THE REDS -
Two more signings for the Reds as Nicky Law announces experienced central defender Nick Fenton and midfielder John McGrath have both penned one-year contracts More...

REDS ARE CUT UP BY SHARP BLADES. MATCH REPORT -
Alfreton Town's pre-season preparations continued with a 1-0 home defeat against a very good passing Sheffield United side at the Impact Arena last Monday evening More...

REDS HOPE TO UNSEAT SADDLERS' ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS -
Alfreton Town continue pre-season preparations with a third successive home game, when League One club Walsall FC visit the Impact Arena this evening More...

REDS' 2013/14 FIXTURES REVEALED -
Alfreton Town begin the 2013/14 season with a trip to Dartford on Saturday, August 10th, which was the scene of their heaviest away loss last year, as the Reds crashed to a 5-1 defeat at Princes Park on September 1st. More...

REDS BOSS 'SHAW' OF NEW ADDITION -
Alfreton boss Nicky Law has significantly strengthened his squad with the addition of experienced former Cambridge United central midfield player Tom Shaw. More...

REDS PROUD OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES, PLUS TICKET, FIXTURE & TRANSFER NEWS -
Alfreton Town FC's involvement in the local community is long, varied, invaluable and something the club are rightly proud of. More...

REDS BOSS LAW DECLARES HIMSELF 'WYLDE' ABOUT NEW ADDITIONS -
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law has declared himself more than happy with the way things are progressing with his new-look squad More...

REDS' BOSS MAKES HIS SECOND SIGNING OF THE SUMMER -
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law has made his second new signing of the summer with Kristian Ramsey-Dickson joining the Reds on a one-year contract. More...

REDS' CHAIRMAN IN CONFIDENT MOOD AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON -
Alfreton Town chairman Wayne Bradley is in confident and positive mood as the Reds build towards a third consecutive season at Conference Premier Division level. More...

REDS' BOSS EXPECTS A DIFFICULT SEASON AHEAD AND ANTON BROWN DEPARTS -
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law feels his side's third season at Conference Premier Division level will be the hardest yet. More...

REDS' BOSS CARVES A FUTURE FOR WOOD -
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law has made former Grimsby Town right back Bradley Wood his first new signing of the summer. More...

REDS BOSS STRENGTHENS FOR SEASON AHEAD -
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law has seen the nucleus of last season's squad strengthen still further with both Josh Law and Alastair Taylor signing new one-year deals with the Reds this week. More...

REDS CHAIRMAN POSITIVE DESPITE RETURN TO A PART-TIME OPERATION -
Alfreton Town Chairman Wayne Bradley remains totally positive about the future of the club despite taking a "tough decision" to take the club back to part-time operations More...

REDS FACE LAST GAME OF THE SEASON THIS WEEKEND -
Alfreton Town FC bring the curtain down on an exciting and absorbing season this Saturday when eighth-placed Forest Green Rovers visit the Impact Arena More...

REDS ARE SAFE AS THEY TRAVEL TO LAST AWAY GAME OF CAMPAIGN -
Injury-hit Alfreton Town secured their Conference Premier Division status for a third successive season, after a 3-0 home win over Tamworth on Tuesday night More...

REDS FACE ANOTHER SIX POINTER -
Alfreton Town face a third successive Conference Premier Division relegation six-pointer tonight (Tuesday 9th April) when Barrow are the visitors to the Impact Arena (7.45pm). More...

THE WHITE STUFF HAMPERS THE REDS -
2 postponements in a matter of days has left Alfreton Town with some work still to do to ensure their Blue Square Premier Division status for a third successive season - and not a lot of time to do it in. More...

REDS' EASTER FOOTBALL FUN! -
Alfreton Town Community Development Scheme are staging an Easter Football Coaching course for kids 6 -14. More...

ROSES ARE RED AS LAW SIGNS DEFENDER JORDAN ON EMERGENCY LOAN -
Alfreton Town boss Nicky Law has bought in central defender Jordan Rose on an emergency loan until the end of the season from fellow Blue Square Bet Premier Division rivals AFC Telford United. More...

REDS WELCOME BARROW TO IMPACT ARENA -
Alfreton Town return to Blue Square Bet Premier Division action tonight when Barrow AFC are the visitors to the Impact Arena. More...

REDS' BOSS LAW THANKS MARTIN O'NEILL -
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law has extended his thanks to Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill for the loan of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. More...

REDS SEEK WIN AGAINST HYDE WITH DEBUT FOR KEEPER JORDAN PICKFORD -
Alfreton Town return to Blue Square Bet Premier Division action on Tuesday evening with a home game against Hyde FC at the Impact Arena. More...

'U' CAN DO IT! REDS FACE CAMBRIDGE. MATCH PREVIEW -
Reds are in Blue Square Bet Premier Division action tonight when they head to ninth-placed Cambridge Utd looking to bounce back from a 3-0 home defeat against Woking. More...

ONE IN AND ONE OUT FOR REDS BOSS AHEAD OF AFC TELFORD GAME -
Alfreton Town Manager Nicky Law has brought one player in and released one long-serving member of the squad ahead of this Saturday's tough trip to AFC Telford United. More...

REDS BOSS LAYS DOWN THE LAW AND KILLOCK LOAN EXTENDED -
Nicky Law called on his young side to show more mental strength after seeing them go down 3-0 at home to Mansfield Town on New Year's Day. More...

REDS FACE STAGS ON NEW YEARS DAY. MATCH PREVIEW -
Alfreton Town begin 2013 with a home local derby at the Impact Arena against Mansfield Town on New Year's Day. More...

REDS LOOK AHEAD AFTER BOXING DAY STAG HUNT AND OTHER NEWS -
Alfreton Town supporters can look forward to an exciting second half of the season in the Blue Square Bet Premier Division. More...

LAW RUES LACK OF KILLER INSTINCT AND TWO SUSPENSIONS -
Alfreton Town Manager Nicky Law couldn't hide his disappointment after seeing his side denied victory against Cambridge United in injury time on Tuesday night. More...

REDS HOPE TO RETURN TO WINNING WAYS TONIGHT -
Alfreton Town return to action on Tuesday night with a Blue Square Bet Premier Division home game against Cambridge United. More...

LAW FRUSTRATED AFTER LOSING OUT TO WEATHER -
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law was left a frustrated man after seeing a second home game in a week fall victim to the weather elements. More...

REDS GO FOR
DOUBLE -
Alfreton Town have the chance of a first league double of the season on Saturday when they travel to fifth-placed Luton Town. More...

REDS SET FOR SUNDAY TV TEST -
All roads lead to the Impact Arena on Sunday when the Reds face npower League One side Leyton Orient in an FA Cup with Budweiser second round tie in front of live ESPN television cameras. More...

REDS GET TWO IN ON DEADLINE DAY -
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law has strengthened his squad by landing two players on loan deadline day. More...

REDS RECEIVE £35k GRANT FOR OUTSTANDING WORK IN THE COMMUNITY -
Alfreton Town's Community Development Scheme have had their outstanding work in the community recognised with a £35k grant awarded by The Football Conference Trust More...

ALFRETON LIVE AND KICKING ON TV TONIGHT -
Alfreton Town welcome both Premier Sports TV and Newport County to the Impact Arena for what promises to be a big live game of football tonight, ko at 7:45pm. More...

COMING TO A SCREEN NEAR YOU - REDS MAKE TV DEBUT AND OTHER NEWS -
Alfreton Town make their live TV debut on Friday night with their Blue Square Bet Premier Division home game against league leaders Newport County being screened on Premier Sports. More...

REDS HAVE 'NOTHING TO FEAR' - BOSS NICKY LAW ON FA CUP TIE AT WREXHAM -
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law says his side have nothing to fear when they go to Wrexham to contest a tough FA Cup with Budweiser first round proper tie this Saturday. More...

REDS TAKE ON TELFORD, FIXTURE CHANGE AND OTHER NEWS -
Alfreton Town boss Nicky Law will be spoilt for choice for this Saturday's home league game against high-flying AFC Telford United. More...

REDS APPOINT FORMER PLAYER IN NEW ROLE - AND FA CUP NEWS -
Alfreton Town have appointed a former record-breaking player as their new commercial director. More...

REDS BOSS LOOKS TO BOUNCE BACK -
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law will be looking for his side to bounce straight back against Ebbsfleet after their 2-0 midweek home defeat against Grimsby Town More...

LAW ISSUES CHALLENGE TO REDS -
After seeing his side's six-match unbeaten run ending v Grimsby Town, Reds' boss Nicky Law challenged them to embark on another run. More...

REDS DRAW NEW BLOOD AHEAD OF MACCLESFIELD TRIP -
Alfreton Town say they've signed young central defender Ross Killock on a month's youth loan from Championship club Leeds United. More...

LAW LOOKS FOR LOANS -
Alfreton Town boss Nicky Law is hopeful of boosting his injury-hit squad with at least one loan signing ahead of 2 big League games for the Reds in 4 days. More...

CHAIRMAN BRADLEY PRAISES BARNES -
Alfreton Town goalkeeper Phil Barnes has been lauded for his professionalism by club chairman Wayne Bradley. More...

REDS HOPE TO HUNT DOWN THE HARRIERS -
Alfreton Town go into Saturday's game against Kidderminster Harriers with a warning from boss Nicky Law to expect a tough game. More...

REDS HONOUR LONGEST SERVING SUPPORTER, 93 -
Alfreton Town honoured their longest serving stalwart and favourite son last weekend. More...

REDS BOSS PRAISES PLAYERS AFTER WIN -
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law was in a far happier frame of mind after seeing his side respond to criticism and a shake-up with a 2-1 victory at Lincoln City on Tuesday night. More...

REDS SIGN BURNLEY KEEPER STEWART ON LOAN -
Deadline day action saw Reds' boss Nicky Law bring keeper Jon Stewart back to the club for a second loan spell, from npower Championship club Burnley. More...

REDS HIT THE ROAD AGAIN -
For the 2nd Saturday in succession, Alfreton Town face a long away trip and boss Nicky Law hopes it is as productive as last weekend's sojourn to Barrow More...

REDS PREPARE FOR BATTLE WITH FOYLE'S HEREFORD -
Alfreton Town face Hereford Utd for the first time ever in league action tomorrow when Martin Foyle's side visit the Impact Arena. More...

REDS BOSS ADMITS HIS SIDE ARE A WORK IN PROGRESS -
Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law feels his side should have more points on the board after seeing his team emerge with just one from the first two games. More...

REDS AT HOME TONIGHT -
Alfreton Town have their first home league game of the new season this evening when Southport are the visitors More...

REDS SQUAD FIND NUMBERS UP -
Alfreton Town has today announced its squad numbers for the 2012/2013 season and are listed in full More...

REDS COMPLETE HAT TRICK OF STRIKER SIGNINGS -
Alfreton Town have signed striker Ben Tomlinson on a two-year deal from Blue Square Bet Premier Division rivals Macclesfield Town for an undisclosed fee. More...

REDS SIGN THREE MORE BEFORE SEASON OPENER -
Alfreton Town have signed three players ahead of the big 2012/13 season kick-off at Stockport County on Saturday. More...