We made hard work of it, says Alfreton Town boss Nicky Law

The Reds edged the verdict 1-0 against the East Midlands Counties League Premier Division side thanks to a stunning 30-yard shot from defender Bradley Wood on 63 minutes but Law was in pensive mood after the win.

“Credit where credit is due, they (South Normanton) came and shut up shop, they worked hard and made it difficult for us, but having said that, with all due respect, we have huffed and puffed we have made life hard for ourselves,” he said.

“It has taken a goal that would grace any Premier League ground to win it and I don’t think he (Wood) will ever get one like it again it was that good. He hit it from fully 30 yards, and it went in-off the underside of the bar. It was a great goal, but as far as I am concerned it has taken a wonder goal to get us through.

“We have to be making lighter work of these sort of games than we did. That is not me being negative, just me being totally and brutally honest as I always will be.

“Barring the goal, we haven’t looked likely to score and it is distinctly obvious that we lack a cutting edge, we are lacking someone we can get the ball to and they can then go and do a bit.

“We just haven’t got that option at the minute.”

Law used the game to give valuable pitch minutes to several players who haven’t figured much recently but he was left unconvinced that many of them will force their way into his side for this Saturday’s tough-looking league game at FC Halifax Town.

“I gave an opportunity to players that have not been involved much lately to stake a claim for Saturday but on tonight’s showing,” added Law.

“I haven’t got too many decisions to make. We are going to have to be a lot better than we were tonight that is for sure.

“We are going to have to be far, far better, otherwise we will struggle to get anything out of this weekend’s game.”