Trinity will be looking to make it two from two, when they travel to Derbyshire on Tuesday night. Hoping to back up the opening day victory over Workington. An inspired substitution from Blues’ boss, Russ Wilcox, provided the added impetus, with Ashton Offler opening the scoring, two minutes after entering the fray. Fraser Preston adding the second, seven minutes later, as the boys in blue secured a first win and clean sheet of the new season.

Jake Buxton is the man at the helm for Tuesday night’s hosts. The former Derby County, Mansfield Town & Burton Albion defender, is in his first, full time, senior role. And has overseen a complete squad overhaul in the summer, following Alfreton’s relegation from the Enterprise National League North. A handful of whom, have previous NPL Premier experience last season, with Ilkeston.

Buxton’s Alfreton suffered an opening day defeat, at the hands of fellow relegated side Curzon Ashton. A reversal of the game at the Impact Arena, that saw both sides relegated on the final day of last season. Harvey Roberts scoring the only goal of the game for the Nash, on Saturday.

Played for Both

In the respective opening day squads, two former Trinity players were named in the Alfreton side, Reece Fyfe (who appeared as Reco, under Curtis Woodhouse) and Jakub Kruszynski. Jakub made his debut for Trinity, off the bench, in last season’s away game at Hednesford Town & scored his only goal for the club in a 3-2 win over Shifnal Town in the FA Trophy.

In the Trinity line up, there are a quartet of former Reds: David Robson, Jack Leckie, Bobby Johnson & Fraser Preston all having played for the Derbyshire outfit. All adding to the intrigue surrounding Tuesday night’s game.

Head to Head

Having first met in the league, in 1960, Trinity & Often have faced each other 42 times, with the Blues picking up 56 points in those games. Away from home, the Holy Blues have picked up 22 points, at Alfreton, that coming in the form of seven wins and a draw. In those 21 games, the Blues have scored 23 times, as opposed to Alfreton’s 44.

In last season’s FA Trophy, Alfreton halted Trinity’s progress. Frank Mulhern’s strike was not enough beat the then, higher league opposition.

Ticket Information

Alfreton Town geographically, provide one of the closest games of the season – so if you can – make sure to join us on the road. Parking around the Solana Stadium is limited, with supporters advised to arrive early, and use nearby public car parks where possible. Supporters are advised to avoid parking in local residential areas, as this could lead to fines.

Alternatively, you can take advantage of the excellent Trinity Away Travel Club, ran by Darren Gray and his group of intrepid travelling fans. Coach travel is priced at £12 members, £15 non members, with the coach leaving from Blues Club, at 5:30, returning after the game. Call 07425 331204 to secure your seat.

Matchday admission prices, at the time of writing, are still to be confirmed by our hosts.

Elsewhere

It’s a full round of fixtures in the Pitching In Northern Premier Division, and here’s how the side’s line up against each other. The standout game for me, outside the game at the Solana Stadium, involving the Holy Blues, is probably Bury vs Curzon Ashton, or Stockton vs Ashton United.

Take a look at the games that most intrigue you…

Bamber Bridge vs Avro
Bury vs Curzon Ashton
Emley AFC vs Ilkeston Town
FC United of Manchester vs Leek Town
Lancaster City vs Warrington Rylands
Quorn vs Cleethorpes Town
Stockton Town vs Ashton United
Warrington Town vs Hyde United
Whitby Town vs Guiseley
Workington AFC vs Redcar Athletic

Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Sean Cook (@FoxbyMedia)