Game Seventy Two - Alfreton Town v AFC Telford

3 May 2009

A day after our season ended and I was still hungry for more so me and Samantha jumped into the car and headed over to catch some non-league play off action. Alfreton was the destination for their play off semi final match with Telford, the away side holding a two goal advantage from the first leg.

We had a lazy start from Syston and ended up having a nice drive through the english countryside, passing through some pleasant towns and searching for a nice pub to get something to eat... unfortunately we found a few dodgy pubs on route before finding one that actually made us feel comfortable.
We arrived at The Impact Arena, home of Alfreton in good time and made our way straight into the ground in the bitter wind and bright sunshine. It was quite an odd ground but very pleasant and there was a slight buzz around the place, especially as the thousand or so Telford fans arrived in town. This was arguably the biggest game in Alfreton's history so it was nice to be a part of it.

We watched the teams come out while listening to people moan about the lack of programmes available due to the massive crowd that had come out compared to normal.... well over 4 times the normal crowd.

After nine minutes, the home side took the lead when a deep corner was headed in off the underside of the crossbar by Tony Butler.

One down, two more needed....

6 minutes, and three chances later, and the teams were level on aggregate as Alfreton raced into a two nil lead on the day. A scuffed shot deceived everyone and nestled into the corner off the post. A scruffy goal but a goal none the less and it really was a case of game on.

Needless to say the amazing comeback got the fans on side and they were starting to create a bit of noise having silenced the vocal Telford following behind the opposite goal.

The fans were in complete dreamland but were brought crashing back to earth two minutes later as Telford pulled a goal back. A powerful low cross saw the Alfreton keeper produce a brilliant reaction save but the rebound fell kindly for Edward to slot home at the far post. Disappointment but with over 70 minutes still to play we fel it could well go either way.

Alfreton pushed forward once more and twice hit the woodwork and had a clear penalty waved away but just before half time were hit with a sucker punch as on a rare break away, a cross from the right was tapped into the open net at the back stick to level the tie on the night and put Alfreton back with a mountain to climb needing two goals once more just to bring about extra time.

As the half time whistle sounded, we were really impressed with what we had seen - two teams fully going for it and it was more entertaining than much other stuff Ive witnessed this season.... sadly the port-a-loos didn't match the entertainment and neither did the weather - freezing cold it was and a real contrast to the day before in Crewe and we made sure we were wrapped up as best as possible.

In the second half, Alfreton started in the same fashion as they started the first, racing forward looking for an early goal.... and once again they found a way back into it. 4 minutes into the half and leading scorer Paul Clayton lashed in an effort from the edge of the area after a neat turn.

Still, Telford came roaring back and on 53 minutes, Rodgers found himself unmarked from a corner and bulleted a header into the back of the net. 3-3? What a game and it wasn't done there as Alfreton adopted a 4-2-4 formation and went for broke.

On 71 minutes, it looked like the gamble had paid off as Clayton went down in the area and Howell calmly placed the ball on the spot and fired home in front of the travelling hordes who tried to distract him. 4-3 up on the day, 5-4 down on aggregate.... the excitement was really taking hold. Telford were not prepared to give up though and a 30 yard free kick hammered into the woodwork which would have finished Alfreton off once and for all. The home side pushed further and further forward but every cross was just too high or too close to the keeper and after 15 minutes of huffing and puffing, the referee brought an end to an incredible match. Whilst disappointed about the result, the fans of Alfreton, new and loyal were proud of what they had witnessed. A real "give it a go" approach and a game to remember.

We headed out and back to the car (parked right by the turnstile - how conveniant!) and headed back home pleased with a good days work.
Next up..... Easter Monday and the third game in three days. The famous Histon Town, giant killers of Leeds in the FA Cup. Could they do the same to Torquay?