We were all absolutely delighted to make progress in the Emirates F.A. Cup last Saturday with a fully deserved 4-2 victory against Bradford Park Avenue.
Despite falling behind twice in the 1st half, we recovered quickly on both occasions, to get back on level terms at 2-2 by half-time.
In the second half the players pushed on to take the lead for the first time in the game through a very clever finish from James Jones, before Jordan Hulme put the icing on the cake with a fabulous run and strike that even Bradford keeper, Steven Drench, could do nothing about.
Check out the highlights of the win against Bradford Park:
Monday’s draw for the fourth qualifying round has given us a short trip to Stockport County next Saturday.
It’s a tie that seems to have captured the imagination of the fans but before that, we have to get focused on the league and the task of beating Alfreton Town today at the J.Davidson Stadium.
Our opponents have got plenty of quality in their side and have won three of their five away games to date and sit in 10th position, four points and five places above us.
We have scored nine goals at the J.Davidson Stadium in our two F.A. Cup wins against Whitley Bay and Bradford Park Avenue and now we must aim to take our first three point haul in a home Vanarama National League North game.
It’s non-league day and we are offering special discounts to fans of Premier and Football League teams, ice hockey fans and rugby league fans attending the Grand Final this evening.
For the second year running, we will also be celebrating the Fans for Diversity campaign, with the players warming up for this afternoon’s match in Fans for Diversity T-shirts.
Fans for Diversity is run by The Football Supporters’ Federation and Kick It Out and it has a simple aim – to celebrate diversity among football fans and ensure they can feel safe and welcome at whichever match they wish to attend.
Football is the world’s greatest game, and it is for everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, faith, sexual orientation – we are trying to do as much as we can to support that message at Alty.
Things are improving on the injury front; Neil Sorvel and I will have a fully fit squad to choose from today, apart from Ben Harrison.
Ben received the results of the scan on his knee this week and whilst there is good news in that he doesn’t need an operation, he needs to do a lot of strengthening work – his injury is something that he will probably need to manage for the rest of his career.
We had a great turn out last year on non-league day, creating a fantastic atmosphere in the ground and we are hoping for something similar today.
We want a three point win and the first home league victory of the season.
