By Jacob Hackett

Reds beat by Antsey in pre-season.

Alfreton Town endured a disappointing defeat on Saturday (July 23) afternoon, losing 1-0 to Anstey Nomads who visited the Impact Arena at short notice after neighbours Matlock Town had been forced to curtail their involvement due to limited squad availability.

A Michael Reeves strike, after barely 30 seconds had elapsed, was enough to separate the teams. Although the Reds’ players benefited from more time on the ball than in their previous four pre-season friendlies, the concern will be their failure to score a single goal in those games.

There was, however, plenty of effort in a game repeatedly interrupted for niggly fouls by both sides, with Tom Denton’s shot blocked by Adam Lund’s follow-up held by visiting keeper Conrad Logan on 13 minutes.

Three minutes later, Brad Dockerty went close with an overhead kick from a Fraser Preston cross before the same player fired a pot-shot wide.

Dayle Southwell struck the upright on 34 minutes after Danny Preston’s effort had been blocked, then as the interval approached, George Willis needed a second attempt to field and audacious shot from Corey Armeni.

The usual raft of changes at half time saw only keeper Willis, striker Denton and defender Dwayne Wiley continuing from the first period, with four triallists introduced to Alfreton’s line-up.

A good run by Lewis Whitham led to Bailey Hobson seeing his shot saved by Logan within 90 seconds of the re-start, but it was to be a further 20 minutes before Billy Heath’s men had their next opening when Whitham’s low drive was also held.

Wiley then directed a header wide from a corner, and in the final moments Logan stood firm yet again to deny Whitham from close range and help the visitors chalk up a deserved victory.

Next, Alfreton Town host Derby County at the Impact Arena on Tuesday (July 26). Kick-off is at 7.45pm.