Radcliffe face Alfreton Town for the first time since the 2003/04 season, which was primarily favourable for the Boro with a 1-0 win thanks to Jody Banim’s penalty at the Neuven Stadium, and a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture.

In the 2002/03 campaign, Saturday’s hosts beat Radcliffe to the Northern Premier League Division 1 title by just two points, so the club will be aiming for revenge 21 years later.

The two teams are currently at the opposite ends of the table, however a win for Radcliffe could potentially see the Boro outside of the relegation zone on Christmas day, while a victory for the home side would likely see them celebrate inside the play-off places.

The Opposition

Alfreton are currently sat one point outside of the play-off spots and only eight points off the league leaders, Curzon Ashton. Billy Heath’s side are one of just three teams to have only lost four matches at this stage of the season.

Last season, Alfreton finished the campaign in fifth place, mostly thanks to their strong defence that on average conceded just over one goal a-game across the 46-game season. Their current position in the table can be credited in part to the defence again, with less than a goal a-game hitting the back of the Alfreton net.

At the other end of the pitch, Alfreton rank mid-table in the goals scored collum. Nine players have found the back of the net in the National League North so far for the Derbyshire-based outfit. Leading the way is Jed Abbey, the young midfielder arrived at the Impact Arena in the summer and has converted on seven occasions so far this season.

Alfreton managed to have a solid run in the FA Cup this season, making it to the First Round Proper before falling to a 5-1 defeat against League Two’s Notts County after initially taking a one-goal lead inside 15 minutes. They have also been eliminated from the FA Trophy after losing 1-0 to Spennymoor Town, avenging their 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round.

Ones to Watch

Liam Waldock is one to watch for the hosts on Saturday, the midfielder can operate within the number 10 role as well as other areas in the centre of the park. After joining Alfreton at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, the 24-year-old scored 14 times and assisted on six occasions in 46 games, making him a player to watch out for.

Alfreton’s number four Adam Lund is one to keep an eye on this Saturday. With his long throws, he is able to provide a unique element whilst enabling the play-off hopefuls to utilise a simple throw, almost like a set piece. It’ll be key for Radcliffe to defend these well if the Boro are to come away with the points on Saturday.

Stat Pack

8th – League Position – 22nd
20 – Games Played – 20
34 – Points – 18
9 – Wins – 4
7 – Draws – 6
4 – Losses – 10
25 – Goals For – 23
19 – Goals Against – 39
Jed Abbey (7) – Top Goalscorer – Brad Roscoe, Josh Hancock (5)

Matchday Information

Date: 21/12/24
Time: 3pm kick-off
Location: Impact Arena

Adult: £15
Concession (16-21 & 65+) : £10
Student (Must produce Student Card): £10
15 and under: £3

Saturday’s game will not be segregated, therefore Alfreton and Radcliffe fans will be mixed and are free to enjoy the match from wherever they’d like to watch from inside the Impact Arena. However, Alfreton advise that travelling supporters enter the ground via the Alma Street entrance.

Tickets are available online via the link below, and on the turnstiles using either cash or card.

Tickets can be purchased online here.

Read our away information article here.

Can’t Attend The Game?

Listen to live kick-by-kick commentary over on Radcliffe Radio, click here to tune in from 2:45pm.

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