My first piece for the Non League Paper, to be printed this weekend :D Vanarama Conference Alfreton Town vs Nuneaton Def out: Hicks (Dislocated shoulder). Courtney (Toe) Doubts: Keane(15%), Bradley (10%). Both were in contention on Tuesday but did not play. Bradley was an unused sub. Rested: None Bench: Igiehon and McDonald have both impressed when given the chance, but Hawley has linked up very well with first choice striker Ironside. Sheridan played well coming off the bench against Telford but Alfreton have plenty of midfield options. Probable team: (4-4-2) GK Dawson, RB Wood, CB Smith, CB Graham, LB Rowe-Turner, RM Bradley, CM Thanoj, CM Shaw, LM Mellor, ST Ironside, ST Hawley Team overview: Ironside has extended his loan with the Reds until mid-November, following an Impressive month with the Derbyshire side. Dan Bradley could return after being rested as a precaution for Tuesdays 3-2 win against Telford. Although unwise to change a winning side, the defence was certainly the weakness during the mid-week win and looked very nervous, particularly in the latter stages of the game. Debutant Mellor put in a man of the match performance and is likely to keep his place in the starting line up. McDonald will be attempting to break back into the first team from the bench, but Hawleys form will certainly make that difficult. Both strikers have scored just once this campaign. Player form: New loan signing Mellor has shown his class and potential in an impressive debut against Telford mid-week. The midfielder, who has signed from Oldham on an initial one month deal, will be hoping to have proven himself worthy of a starting place following his man of the match performance. Loanee striker Joe Ironside scored his fourth goal in eight games in what was his last appearance before extending his stay for a further two months. The inform striker will be expecting a place in the first eleven against Nuneaton. Full strength team: (4-4-2) GK Dawson, RB Wood, CB Smith, CB Graham, LB Rowe-Turner, RM Bradley, CM Thanoj, CM Shaw, LM Mellor, ST Ironside, ST Hawley Mood: Elevated. After manager Nicky Law missed the opening six games of the season with a touchline ban, the Reds form has been transformed upon his return. A last minute defeat to top of the league Barnet, followed by conceding a late equaliser against Altrincham, before gaining their first win of the season away at Southport and making it back to back wins mid-week at home to Telford. This turn around in fortunes could continue for the remainder of the season or be a coincidental short term run, but the players now know they can compete and have that winning feeling again. A third consecutive win this weekend could confirm the belief is back! Motivation: Both sides are in the relegation zone, with Alfreton two places and one point behind the visitors. If Alfreton are to push on and climb the table, they must take advantage of beating their opponents when they are down. As Nuneaton are at the wrong end of the table at the moment the hosts should make the most of this fortunately timed fixture. Both sides know however that there is plenty of time left to turn around their fortunes. Focus: Keeping their run of good form going, to keep the winning mentality alive. Three wins on the bounce can revolutionise a side. Pitch: Very well maintained, fast and consistent. Great to play the ball along the ground Fans: Usually between 400-600. (519 last game against Telford, with a good away following) Last match analysis: An impressive first half performance gave the Reds a 3-1 lead to maintain in the second half. Although a deserved three points for the Reds, they looked likely to concede an equaliser late on as has been the case already this season. A fortunate deflected effort from Thanoj gave Alfreton the lead before a long ball forward from the visiting keeper bounced kindly for Gray who slotted home to equalise. Just minutes later Shaw reinstated the hosts lead with a beautifully struck volley past Hedge in Telfords goal, before Ironside worked his magic on the stroke of half time to make it three. Shaky defending, particularly from set pieces has been the Reds downfall this season and A corner after 70 minutes set up Byrne to reduce Alfretons lead and set up a nervous ending for the hosts. Match prospects: Back to back wins always fill teams with confidence, and this fixture seems well timed as Nuneaton are struggling near the foot of the table along with Alfreton, but the Reds go into the game on better form and will hope to transfer that winning mentality into positive football. Nuneaton will know that consecutive victories can be misleading and will hope to stop the hosts recent good run of results.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 14:51:04 +0000
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