GLADIATORS VICTORIOUS IN DUAL WITH ALFRETON

ALFRETON TOWN 1 V MATLOCK TOWN 3

4-JAN-2015 7.45-----DERBYSHIRE SENIOR CUP QUARTER FINAL

FIRST VIEW OF THE IMPACT ARENA, NORTH ST, UPON ENTRY THROUGH THE MAIN TURNSTILES 

The Impact Arena was in shock at half time with Conference National side Alfreton finding themselves 3-0 down to struggling Evostik Premier neighbours Matlock Town.

STAND AND COVERED TERRACE AROUND THE HOSIPTALITY AND CHANGING ROOM AREA

TV GANTRY STAND!

Indeed the Gladiators had taken their chances with a confidence that belied their league position the middle goal of the three was an absolute screamer from Michael Harcourt 5 minutes before half time.  The second half saw Alfreton pull one back with a neatly taken quick free kick that caught Matlock cold but they continued to huff and puff and Matlock battled hard and got in vital tackles and touches to deny the home side any chance of a comeback.

CLOSE TO THE PITCH ADVERT BARRIERS

On a bitterly cold evening kick off was delayed five minutes while we waited for Alfreton's number 1, George Willis, to appear and then in another weird first half turn Matlock's number 11, Phil Roe, was manually lifted off the pitch by an Alfreton player following a lengthy stoppage!
So to a quick ground description Alfreton's nickname 'The Reds' gives credence to the ground which you will see from the pictures is very much in tribute to this.  The ground has a tight collection of mini stands along the dressing room, hospitality areas along with a small covered standing enclosure.  The far end from the main entrance is the 'old tin end' is now a very partially covered terrace which struggles for a good view due to the amount of fencing in the line of sight. 
The end behind the goal of the main entrance is now an uncovered terrace with blue tip up seats installed, an area were most prefer to stand.  Opposite the main stand is a small extension of the uncovered seating area and then a shallow low set stand continues to the far corner where a second snack bar and toilet block rule.

COLD GLADIATORS PIE MAN, GEORDIE AND RICCO.
IT WAS EVEN RUMOURED PIE MAN HAD TO REMOVE HIS GLOVES FOR THE PIE BUT THERE IS NO PHOTGRAPHIC EVIDENCE OF THIS!

Tonight's game has seen a reduction from the normal admission price of £18, something which I know is standard for the Conference but which has put me and many others off regular attendance here, reduced to £8.  This is still too much for a county cup game and I don't believe any club should charge more than £5, however it was still better that the charge for last seasons game versus Heanor which was £10.  A little sub note here is that most non league fans note the difference between the welcome from clubs and those at Football League level were its a 'completely different game' well I believe its also becoming the same at top non league clubs too.  Here at Alfreton I have come to two games this season, including a Conference game, and on both occasions have handed admission money over to receive not even a thank you or a cheers never mind the warm welcome received at other non league grounds [see Rugby Town below].  The stewarding is then also very prominent being moved on twice tonight when the ground probably had about 200 in for a county cup game.  While saying this I would like to make it clear their were many friendly faces in the crowd tonight and connected to Alfreton as a club but there are areas that seem to get lost as clubs progress up the ladder.

Noteworthy to many people who visit Alfreton is the efforts of the programme shop run by Brian and Mark who have amassed an unbelievable selection of programme and football memorabilia alongside the wide selection of badges for collectors of these it makes Alfreton games a must visit for collectors.  Their cannot be many who are not aware of the shop, but if you haven't been so far its well worth a visit and you will get a lovely welcome from both Brian and Mark.