Report by Lisa Towerzey

Words cannot do justice in describing this victory that has hoisted Alfreton Town to the fifth spot in the National League North.

An all-around team display was enough to bring the Reds their first-ever win over Spennymoor Town and their first win at the venue for 19 years when the old Spennymoor United were beaten 2-1 in the Northern Premier [First Division].

Alfreton pushed forward from the start, without creating too many clear-cut chances, yet holding the hosts comfortably at bay with outstanding defensive domination.

Yusufi Ceesay was causing serious havoc on the left with a sequence of dazzling runs and crosses, so it was fitting that one such move should result in the opening goal on 41 minutes, a stunning angled drive that dipped swerved and left debutant keeper Harry Flatters bemused and beaten.

Kicking down the steep slope after the break Alfreton continued to control the game, but appeals for penalties as both Bailey Hobson and Matt Rhead were flattened in the area were swept aside before that same combination doubled Alfreton’s advantage with 21 minutes of the game remaining.

Hobson was on hand as Rhead carefully picked him out from the edge of the six-yard box, notching his fifth goal of the season and his fourth in as many games.

Earlier in the half Bobby Johnson had seen his free-kick well saved by Flatters, then right at the end Hobson’s shot met the same fate – meanwhile, George Willis had important saves to make from Jorge Sikora [30 minutes] and Glen Taylor [80 minutes], but otherwise was rarely tested.

This may not have been a game of end-to-end multiple chances, but the way the Reds kept in command of the situation was praise enough for a memorable win – don’t forget just a couple of years ago Spennymoor had come to the lmpact Arena and won 7-1 !