It was always going to be a difficult task for the Reds to live up to the 5-0 drubbing of Droylsden in midweek, but they were never allowed to play against a side desperate to avoid the drop.

The main talking point was surely the penalty that was not awarded when debutant defender Darren Williams brought Anthony Howell down from behind as he shaped to fire in the 79th minute.

Had that been awarded Alfreton would have had the chance to level the game, but as it was Trinity made the score 3-1 just four minutes later when sub Darryn Stamp followed up after former Red Ashley Burbeary's shot had been blocked.

Alfreton were the first to attack with Ian Ross whipping in a cross that was just out of range for Aden Flint in the third minute.

Six minutes later Hearn's angled drive was pushed behind by keeper Philip Barnes and from the ensuing corner Flint's header had to be parried by the keeper as Alfreton pressed for the opener.

But Gainsborough's first venture upfield brought them a 14th minute lead after Mark Robinson had sent Burbeary down the left, with skipper Luke Beckett heading past Paddy Gamble at the back post.

Gavin Cowan fired wide from a decent position in the 23rd minute, before Alfreton nearly found their way back into the game as Josh Law saw his driven cross saved by Barnes.

But Alfreton were level by the 32nd minute when Paul Clayton squeezed the ball past Barnes at the near post after Hall's cross had been helped on by Hearn.

Just four minutes later, though, Gainsborough were ahead once more when Lewis McMahon scored from a tight angle after his first shot from Sam Aiston's cross had rebounded off Gamble's legs.

And it was very nearly 3-1 on 38 minutes when Burbeary had two attempts stifled before McFadzean blocked McMahon's volley.

Another Ross free-kick on the hour led to Howell's shot spinning off Williams almost on the goal-line, with only a desperate reflex save by Barnes preventing an own goal.

Hearn's strong run in the 72nd minute led to Barnes parrying his shot, before Clayton's follow-up was scooped off the line by Ryan Toulson as Nicky Law's men prepared to celebrate an equaliser.

But any chance of a point was killed off for the visitors with seven minutes to go when Gainsborough doubled their lead through Stamp.

Clayton scored his second of the game with a minute to go to set up a nervous end to the game.

But, despite a total of nine minutes added time, the Reds were unable to conjure up an equaliser.

ALFRETON: Gamble, Law, Howell, Flint, McFadzean, Ross (Wilson 62 mins), Moult (Nightingale 84 mins), Brown, Clayton, Hearn, Hall (Todd 74 mins). Subs not used: Mills, Bowler.

ATTENDANCE: 473.