VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH
Venue: The Impact Arena, North Street, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7FZ
Date: Saturday August 5
Kick Off: 3pm
SCORE UPDATES / MATCH COMMENTARY
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ADMISSION
Adults – £14
Concessions – £10
TEAM NEWS
Blyth Spartans travel to Derbyshire on Saturday to face Alfreton Town in their opening game of the Vanarama National League North campaign.
The sides had contrasting fortunes last season – as Blyth topped the Evo-Stik Premier League with 101 points. Alfreton, meanwhile, finished in 18th place in the Vanarama National League North.
Manager Alun Armstrong has strengthened his squad with Shaun MacDonald, Dale Hopson, Lewis Horner and newest arrival Peter Jameson arriving – as well as Ian Watson, who has re-joined the club.
By contrast, there has been wholesale changes at Alfreton with 17 new arrivals through the door – as John McDermott stamps his authority on the squad.
RECENT FORM (League games)
Alfreton Town – LLLDD
Blyth Spartans – WWDWW
IN THE OPPOSITION DUGOUT
John McDermott – McDermott took over the helm at Alfreton in the summer, after leaving his position of Director of Football at Cleethorpes Town. As a player, he played over 750 games for Grimsby Town, which is a club record.
DANGER MAN
Craig Westcarr – The 31-year-old striker has experience in the Football League with a host of clubs, including Chesterfield, Portsmouth and Walsall. Last season, he scored 22 goals in all competitions and that saw him lead the scoring charts for Alfreton Town.
LAST TIME WE MET
Alfreton Town 2-1 Blyth Spartans – National League North – Tuesday February 15 2011
RECORD AGAINST OPPOSITION
Played – 28
Won – 14
Drew – 8
Lost – 6
Scored – 53
Conceded – 41