"Bucks prepare for Boxing Day battle with Alfreton"

Match Date : December 26th, 2019 3:00 pm
Competition : National League North
Ground : New Bucks Head
Kick Off : 15:00

The Bucks host Alfreton Town on Boxing Day, in the first of the festive double-header against the Derbyshire side.

Much was expected of Alfreton after Billy Heath’s appointment in the summer of 2018, but the Reds underwhelmed in his first season in charge – eventually finishing in 15th place. The Reds made a blistering start to this season, though, winning six of their first ten league games. But eight defeats in their next ten National League North fixtures has seen them slide down the table to 12th – two points and three places above the Bucks. Heath’s side were also knocked out of the FA Cup and FA Trophy in that time.

Injuries have played their part in Alfreton’s dip in form, but many of their key players are now returning to full fitness. Meanwhile, Heath has recently added three new faces, including tricky winger Jude Oyibo who arrives from Buxton.

Heath’s squad also features three familiar faces, perhaps most notably Amari Morgan-Smith. The former Buck bagged ten in ten to start the season, hitting five in 15 since. Defenders Dom Smith and Shane Killock also regularly feature for the Reds.

The two sides drew both games against each other last season, including a 0-0 draw at the New Bucks Head in April.

The Bucks were involved in another goalless draw this past Saturday as well, as Gavin Cowan’s men put in a resolute performance to earn a point at Chester. That was the Bucks fifth clean sheet of the season, but the first in the league since August. Cowan will no doubt be hoping for another strong defensive showing on Boxing Day, as the Bucks look to start the festive period with three points.

 

Recent Form

AFC Telford United
Last five: W-W-L-L-D
Last result: Chester 0-0 AFC Telford United
League position: 15th
Top scorer: Aaron Williams (8)

Alfreton Town
Last five: D-L-L-L-L
Last result: Alfreton Town 0-2 Kettering Town
League position: 12th
Top scorer: Amari Morgan-Smith (15)

 

Website: https://www.alfretontownfootballclub.com/

 

Matchday Info

Tickets for Saturday’s fixture will remain on sale up until kick-off and are available for purchase online here.

For more information, check out our matchday guide.