Alfreton manager Law happy as Reds move nearer safety with win over Ebbsfleet

Law saw his side record a comprehensive 3-0 home win over relegation-fighting Ebbsfleet United at the Impact Arena on Tuesday night.

It was a result which stretched his side’s unbeaten run to four games and one which took the Reds eight points clear of the relegation places with nine games left and within a couple of wins of total safety.

It also marked a goalscoring debut by central defender Jordan Rose, brought in on an emergency loan until the end of the season from BSBP rivals AFC Telford United.
Rose (23) began with Southampton aged just 12 and numbers Stockport County (twice), Hereford United and Hayes & Yeading United among his former clubs. He has made 34 league appearances for Telford this season.

Law reflected: “I thought first half we were excellent, in total control. Credit to the players, we have won the game 3-0, (it was) a great performance, and a vital three points.

“If I am honest, I would have accepted not getting beaten tonight. They have got some good players. They are a big side and if you allow them, they will dominate you.

“We have defended well as a team, we have done well. I thought it was a great team performance and I thought Jordan Rose came in and did really, really well.

“I am just grateful that they (AFC Telford United) have given us a big chunk of finance for him to come otherwise we would not have been able to afford him, so a big thanks to them as otherwise we would not have been able to do the deal.”

Law also had words of praise for young goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, whose performances have helped the Reds build their unbeaten run.

“He has been a big part of that. He is a bright lad and he has got a big, big future ahead of him.

“Speaking to people at Sunderland, they rave over him and they think that he will play at the top end of the Premiership. I am sure he will do.

“We are hopeful now that we can extend his loan until the end of the season,” ended the Reds boss.

Against Ebbsfleet, Dan Bradley led the way with a 14th minute penalty after Ebbsfleet skipper Paul Lorraine had impeded Clayton from a Bradley cross.

Alfreton led 2-0 after 28 minutes when Clayton’s by-line cross was guided past his own keeper Preston Edwards by Ebbsfleet defender Paul Walsh with Ben Tomlinson in close attention.

It was 3-0 to the Reds on 71 minutes when Rose celebrated his first game by slotting home from eight yards after Law’s corner had bobbled around the box.

On Saturday, the Reds earned a 1-1 draw at Tamworth a point at Tamworth on Saturday from a game they should have won. It was a fourth game unbeaten at The Lamb for the Reds, who held a first half lead through Louie Soares before twice being denied by the framework of the goal after the break.

Alfreton took a 29th minute lead with easily the best move of the game, which began by Dan Bradley spraying an inspirational crossfield pass to Boden on the right and his accurate cross allowed Soares to stylishly rifle home from 16 yards.

Adam Cunnington’s run down the right led to the equaliser on 65 minutes, his deep cross bundled in at the back post by Darren Byfield despite Pickford managing a touch.

The Reds are home to Gateshead in the league tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm).

On Tuesday, Alfreton make the short trip to take on Ilkeston FC in the semi-finals of the Derbyshire AF Senior Cup.

ATFC Supporters’ Association transport departs at 6.30pm and prices are just £6 for adults and £3 for concessions. Seats can be booked via Mark Thorpe on 07857 558401.