Alfreton Town

Saturday 24th July - Pre Season Friendly
Alfreton Town 3 v Luton Town 0
Attendance:  392   Admission: £6
Ground: A very neat and compact ground , new stand completed. Will look even better when the fourth stand is completed.Pitch looked excellent  8/10
Conditions: Beautiful warm summers day , perfect conditions
Food/Drink:  I had Steak Pie, Mushy peas and Gravy with mint sauce - was tasty but cost £3 ! Large Coffee 80p which burnt my tongue !
Journey/Mileage: 226

Photos of Alfreton's Ground (39)

I woke up nice and early and could already smell breakfast from downstairs. When i went down the old boy was waiting for me staring out of his window and before i could even sit down my first cup of tea had already been poured closely followed by some toast - i prefer my toast later and still warm. I decided to decline the 'Full English' after yesterdays experience and opted for a poached egg on toast which is impossible to a be greasy. I was looking forward to todays game as a visit to Alfreton had been on my agenda for a long time. I was hoping the Impact Arena was going to live up to its name. I drove slowly through the countryside from Matlock was only 11 miles but enjoyable never the less. I decided to spent late morning looking around the town centre which seemed ok. Had a double expresso and a croissant for £3.50 a rip off ! and read the paper before making my way to the ground.

Main Entrance

Main stand newly built at both ends

Must admit i was very impressed with Alfreton's Ground , red everywhere apart from the blue seats , which i later learnt were from the old Filbert Street Ground in Leicester. As i walked around the grund i met Nigel who was just getting into place to film the match for the manager and backroom staff to watch later. Nigel was very helpful and was able to share lots of information about the club and players.

Nigel getting ready to film

The pitch looked fantastic and the game started and within 8 minutes the home side should have been already two goals to the good. They were playing slick , once touch football very easy on the eye and were rewarded after 13 minutes with an excellent headed goal by the No8 the best player so far. Luton were poor and outplayed for the rest of the half. H-T 1-0

At half time i met another ground hopper in the shop buying badges and today was his 560th tick !

Steak Pie Peas Gravy & Mint Sauce ..... Yummy !

On 70 minutes the reds made it a well deserved 2-0 a great build up , ball out wide , 2/3 one touch passes , with a quick pivot and shot ... straight in the Onion Bag ! Luton were shocked and within 60 seconds it was 3-0 as a result of a cheeky lob by the impressive Josh Law. Alfreton piled forward for more only to be denied on more than one occasion by the Luton goalie , but by then a jaded Luton were a well beaten team who were lucky to have all eleven players still on the pitch. After the game i visted the Reds bar and met the famous Wozza the Red from the non league forums, he was great fun and was pleased to meet the Onion Bag in the flesh ! I couldnt share a beer with him as i was about to endure the long journey home. I had an excellent day at £6 was very good value to watch next seasons Conference North Winners ??