Heath aims for change after losses
ALFRETON Town manager Billy Heath promised changes after the Reds slumped to a third straight defeat in midweek, going down 2-0 away to Southport.
The run threatens to undo much of the good work put in by Alfreton in a seven-game unbeaten run in Vanarama National North prior to that.
It mattered little to Heath that Connor Woods’ goals for Southport, one in each half, were among the few that the home side mustered during the game – it was still another defeat.
The Reds have a break from the league today when they travel to play Leamington in the FA Trophy second round.
“It’s a difficult game but we’ve beaten Leamington already this season, which was a great result – now we’ll find out what we’re about again after three defeats,” said Heath.
“We’ll see who wants to stand up if they get the opportunity again.
“The team we pick will be the one l think wants to put everything on the line – we’ve lost the last three games and personnel will have to change.
“I was disappointed with the two goals we conceded again.
“We created a couple of chances, I just thought we lacked quality.
“Overall, we were disappointing. I wasn’t pleased with what l saw.
“You go to Southport and you know it’s going to be physical and a battle and we were second best.
“We didn’t win enough individual battles to deserve a win.”
Matloock Town are the other local side still in the Trophy and are at home to Marske United.
Manager Paul Phillips is hoping for good things from his latest new signing, midfielder Luke Daly, who has been with Manchester United, Burnley and South Shields.
“It takes time for lads to acclimatise but Luke will come into his own when we need to break teams down, he’s brave on the ball and can find that vital pass,” said Phillips.
Daly was one of three arrivals for the Gladiators in the last week.
Attacking midfielder Luke Hall has come in from Sheffield having been on dual registration with Guiseley, while goalkeeper Alfie Roberts has joined on a youth loan from Derby County following the finger injury sustained by Shaun Rowley.
Mickleover have signed goalkeeper Arlo Doherty on loan from Leicester City.
The 18-year-old has been capped by Republic of Ireland at under-19 level.
He replaces Callum Hawkins, who was recalled by Burton Albion and was on the bench for the Brewers against Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night.
Doherty will make his debut away at FC United of Manchester today.
Belper Town and Ilkeston Town are in league action in the Pitching In NPL Midlands Division, the Nailers at home to Shepshed Dynamo and the Robins, who head the table, away to Yaxley.