FA Cup fever in the air for Alfreton

Reds’ manager Nicky Law will have to make changes to his side with Joe Leesley missing the tie through a one-game suspension and John Johnston beginning a three-match ban.

However, there are no major injury worries for Law.

As well as a place in the fourth qualifying round draw on Monday, there is prize money of £7,500 for the winners of the tie.

Both teams have a great chance to proceed to the next round where the Vanarama National League teams come in, and although Alfreton could be slight favourites after winning the last encounter between these two sides 4-0, this time it should be a tighter game as Hednesford have gone four games unbeaten since that defeat.

The sides have only met nine times ever before, twice in the FA Cup, three times in the league, and four times in the Midland Floodlit Cup way back in the early 1970’s.

In the league, Alfreton recorded a resounding 4-0 home win over The Pitmen just a month ago thanks to goals from Jordan Robertson (10), Jamie Jackson (62) and a sam Jones brace on 74 and 79 minutes.

Prior to this season, there have only been two other league games and they were back in the 2005/06 season.

Both sides won their respective home games with Hednesford triumphing 1-0 on August 15, 2005, and Alfreton winning the return Conference North fixture 3-2 on January 14, 2006.

On home soil this season, Hednesford have played six games, all in the league, winning three, drawing two and losing just once.

The wins have come against Stalybridge Celtic (2-1) on the opening day of the season, 3-2 against Boston United and 2-1 against Lowestoft Town last Saturday.

Draws have been recorded against Corby Town (3-3) and Gloucester City (2-2) with the one defeat being a 3-0 loss at the hands of FC United of Manchester.

Admission to the tie at Hednesford Town’s Keys Park ground on Saturday is priced £12 adults, £7 concessions and £3 for under-16s.

Please note there is a £1 extra charge for seats in the main stand.

Should a replay be required, this will take place at the Impact Arena on Tuesday, October 13 with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Extra time and penalties would be utilised if necessary.