Written by Lisa Towerzey

Reds record first away win of campaign to remain unbeaten and climb to fourth in the table.

Alfreton Town attained a top four placing in the National League North standings after winning 3-1 with a degree of comfort at Kettering Town on Saturday (August 27).

Dayle Southwell opened the Reds’ account after just eight minutes, but not before seeing his penalty kick saved by home keeper Cameron Gregory after Sam Bennett had clearly handled Dwayne Wiley’s cross.

Fortunately Southwell reacted quickest of all as the ball rebounded to him and he remained calm to make amends from eight yards.

Ironically it was Bennett’s turn to atone when he grabbed the Poppies’ equaliser 12 minutes later in similar circumstances, tucking away the rebound after George Willis had parried his initial shot from a Ben Salt cross.

After a sluggish start by both teams to the second half, Bailey Hobson suddenly emerged with Fraser Preston’s pass to tuck the ball inside Gregory’s right-hand post from the edge of the area to give Alfreton a 61st minute lead.

Just four more minutes and the Reds were two goals ahead as Tom Denton deftly tucked the ball home from close range following the umpteenth long, raking throw by Adam Lund, with Preston again involved at the back post.

Both Southwell and Wiley had goal-bound shots blocked in the first half as the Reds sought to restore their lead and Keaton Ward should have done better than fire wide for the hosts.

After the surge of goals just after the hour mark, Alfreton were able to underline their superiority with Hobson and Lund both seeing ferocious drives blocked before Hobson’s final effort had to be cleared off the line by former Reds defender Brad Gascoigne.