Howe returns to Scunthorpe ahead of Alfreton’s showdown with Bristol Rovers

A 2-2 draw at home to relegation rivals Welling United last Saturday means Nicky Law’s side occupy the last of the four relegation places and they will have to better the Kent side’s result at home to already safe Southport if they are to stay up.

It is an extremely tall order, but it is a challenge that the Reds, used to fighting adversity, will once again be relishing.

In their four seasons in non-league’s top flight, Alfreton have embraced their ranking of underdogs on numerous occasions and as they make the trip to take on Rovers in front of a packed Memorial Stadium, the Reds can take inspiration from the fact that they have secured unexpected wins at York City, Cambridge United, Wrexham, Mansfield Town and also recorded wins over Luton Town, Hereford United and several more of the bigger-named, more established clubs over the years.

Alfreton will also be hoping to emulate Nottinghamshire neighbours Mansfield Town who won 1-0 at the Memorial Ground on the last day of the 2013/14 season to relegate Rovers out of the Football League.

Reds manager Nicky Law will have the boost of having the combative Bradley Wood returning from a one-game suspension but he will be without central defender Callum Howe whose three-month loan spell from Scunthorpe United ended last weekend.

Alfreton have already taken a point off Rovers this season having shared the spoils in a goalless draw at the Impact Arena back in mid-November 2014. Kick off 5.15pm.