Written by Liam Henton

Reds move back into play-off spots after hard-fought victory over Seadogs.

Alfreton Town marched back into the National League North play-off places on Tuesday (October 25) night after a 2-0 win at the Impact Arena against newly promoted Scarborough Athletic.

Defender Dom Smith and summer signing George Cantrill were the unlikely goal scorers as the Reds’ second half showing toppled the Seadogs.

With eight minutes played, visiting goalkeeper Joe Cracknell was the first keeper called in to action when he parried a rasping shot from the dangerous Bailey Hobson.

Both sides carried a threat in the first half and Scarborough went close when a clear header from Michael Coulson was straight at George Willis.

Matt Rhead’s powerful header went over the bar in the 23rd minute before the Reds went close again nine minutes later when they broke at pace from a corner, Dayle Southwell’s low shot was held by Cracknell on this occasion.

In the 37th minute, veteran Alfreton striker Matt Rhead again went close to breaking the deadlock when he forced a fantastic save from Cracknell from close range.

Scarborough almost grabbed the opener when Lewis Maloney’s free kick whistle just wide of Willis’ post but both sides went in to the dressing room lock scoreless following an entertaining first half.

Billy Heath’s side stepped up their performance levels in the second half and finally edged in front on 53 minutes. Rhead’s header was cleared before both centre-backs – Smith and Dwayne Wiley – combined before the former let fly with an effort that flew past Cracknell with the aid of a deflection to give Alfreton a deserved lead.

The Reds kept their foot on the accelerator and deservedly doubled their lead on the hour mark through Cantrill.

Smith headed a deep free kick back into the danger area towards Cantrill who swept the ball home with aplomb for his first Alfreton goal.

Town saw out the remainder of the game with few issues as a well earned clean sheet put the icing on the top of a satisfying performance.