NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH PREVIEW: BUCKS MAKE SHORT JOURNEY TO ALFRETON IN BIG PENULTIMATE LEAGUE GAME

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It’s Buxton’s penultimate game of the season as they travel to face Alfreton on Easter Monday with a 3pm kickoff.

The Bucks

The Bucks head into this game on the back of a 1-0 win over Chorley on Good Friday.

Connor Kirby’s strike was the difference as The Bucks picked up all three points and put themselves in the playoff spots.

Following the win manager John McGrath said:

"We had loads of energy, wearing them down.

"In training, we built it up to be the vital game that it was, and we were excellent out there. The lads were on it from minute one. We got out of the blocks quickly every time.

"Chorley are a leading side and we had to nullify any threats. We wanted to see no cheap free kicks, corner or throw-ins. Instead, we stuck to the game plan and they didn't get a real scoring chance until late in the game.

"We're in the play-offs now so it's in our hands. The call is to come with us to Alfreton on Easter Monday, for the next big challenge."

Opposition

Alfreton play their games at the Impact Arena which has a capacity of 3600 with 1500 of that seated.

They won the National League North in the 2010-11 season and their highest position is 11th in the Football Conference in the 2013-14 season.

The club have reached the second round of the FA Cup three times with their best performance in the FA Trophy being the fourth round which they have also reached three times.

Against Matlock Town in 1960 they set their record attendance which was 5023.

Their record appearance holder is John Harrison who played 561 times for The Reds. He also holds their record for goals scoring 303.

They were formed in 1959 following a merger and joined the Central Alliance League.

Last season they finished 5th in the National League North and lost in the playoff Quarter Final to Boston United on penalties.

They currently sit 14th in the league on 55 points from 44 games.

In their most recent game they drew 0-0 with Curzon Ashton.

They are unbeaten in 5 games in the league.

One to watch

Ex Buck Sam Osborne joined Alfreton in February following his release from Boston United.

The winger has won the National League North player of the month award twice once in November 2020 and then again in April 2022.

He started his career at Notts County where he won two Young Player of the year awards.

Last Time Out

You don’t have to go back far to the last meeting between these sides as Alfreton came out victorious against Buxton in the Derbyshire Senior Challenge Cup final last week on penalties.

Last time at The Impact Arena it was a 2-1 win for The Reds with Tommy Elliott scoring the only goal for The Bucks.