Alfreton Town clawed back by Brackley Town
Manager Nicky Law brought in former Premier League keeper Matt Duke for his first game in an Alfreton shirt since the Reds beat a Manchester United XI 1-0 as part of the club’s 40th anniversary celebrations in 1999.
Duke’s experience was clear to see, although he was beaten by Sam Smith’s close range header from a 69th minute Stephen Morley free-kick, although there was a strong suspicion of a push on Sam Berry that was not spotted.
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Hide AdAlfreton had taken a 38th minute lead after Ryan Wilson had sent Niall Heaton to the by-line with a superb through-ball, the defender’s cross being turned into his own net by Brackley skipper Ryan Austin at the near post.
The goal had been coming following a purple patch for the home side around the 20-minute mark, Jamie Jackson running on to an Andi Thanoj pass to strike the ball against Curtis McDonald before the ricochet was gathered by visiting keeper Dan Crane.
Then a long throw by Heaton was headed on by Tom Allan with Wilson smashing a header against the crossbar, earlier chances having seen Thanoj and Cliff Moyo go close for the Reds.
Meanwhile Todd Jordan had needed to block a full-blooded volley by Tom Winters in the seventh minute and Duke gathered confidently as Richard Batchelor played Smith through 12 minutes later.
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Hide AdAfter the break Brackley posed far more problems than they had in the first half, Duke holding a snap shot from Glenn Walker, then pawing away an awkward Owen Story cross at full stretch before the equaliser arrived.
Three minutes after Brackley’s goal Smith missed a gilt-edged chance from Deon Burton’s set-up, then David Moyo’s shot needed holding by Duke after Reds’ defender Moyo had gifted possession to the Saints with a foul throw.
ALFRETON: Duke; Moyo, Allan, Berry, Heaton, Jordan, Thanoj, Jones, Wilson, lronside [Leesley 63], Jackson [Smith 55].
Subs not used: Paling, Galinski, Draper.
Attendance: 612.