Written by Lisa Towerzey for Alfreton Town FC

Reds first visit to Silverlands in National League North ends in goalless stalemate.

Alfreton Town and Buxton were involved in an entertaining goal-less draw at Silverlands on New Year’s Day, with both sides ruing missed chances.

For the Reds it was four points from their double header against the Bucks, with the added bonus of a clean sheet in both games, whilst extending their unbeaten run to four.

In the opening 15 minutes Matt Rhead sent a header wide for Alfreton, with Buxton responding through Tommy Elliott, Scott Boden and Diego de Girolamo whom all went close.

A lull in proceedings ended with home keeper Theo Richardson denying both Rhead and Bailey Hobson before Jordan Thewlis jinked through to meet a similar outcome.

The first half concluded with Dayle Southwell seeing his shot blocked at one end and Max Conway denied by George Willis at the other.

Connor Kirby somehow failed to connect with an inviting cross in front of goal before Willis made a defiant point-blank save from the same player with 55 minutes on the clock.

Rhead’s header from a Danny Preston corner four minutes later was hacked off the line, with the striker unable to guide the rebound on target, then a blistering run down the right by Hobson led to Thewlis firing over.

Another run from Hobson saw his shot from a diminishing angle clutched by Richardson, then George Cantrill fired wide from a Rhead tee-up.

With 17 minutes remaining Boden missed a glorious chance for Buxton when it looked easier to score, blazing over an empty goal from eight yards after a swift break had Alfreton at full stretch, but honours remained even with both sides somewhat frustrated.