FA Cup: Alfreton aim to down high-flying Magpies

Billy Heath guided Alfreton Town to a second-round tie with League Two Walsall last season, eventually losing 1-0 in a replay after a goalless draw at home

History and local pride is at stake as Alfreton Town make the short trip down the M1 to visit Notts County in the FA Cup first round on Friday night.

The two sides are separated by 18 miles but 52 places in the football ladder, with the Magpies flying high in League Two while the Reds are firmly in the National League North promotion picture.

Town reached the second round for the third time in their history last season, eventually bowing out in a replay at Walsall, who went on to visit Southampton in the third round.

Town boss Billy Heath told BBC Radio Derby: “We would have liked Notts County at home, but it’s a wonderful tie for everybody associated with the club – it’s a local derby and has created a lot of interest.”

Alfreton have seen off Spalding United, Biggleswade Town and Spennymoor Town already in this campaign and Heath said: “It’s a great achievement to get into the first round again - it is where we want to be every season.

“I think it’s going to be more difficult than Walsall and that was a tall order. Notts County are a very good side with very good players and great experience. We know we have a really tough game on our hands.

“We don’t want players to shrink in big occasions, which we certainly didn’t do at Walsall or throughout this season. We have the right mentality, we can cause a real upset. That’s what we plan to do.”

The Magpies - winners of the Cup in 1894 - are unbeaten in four league games and beat AFC Wimbledon and Harrogate Town 1-0 in their past two games at Meadow Lane.

“There’s no pressure on us at all, it’s all on Notts County," Heath said. "If you look at the possession stats, they have dominated against teams at the top of League Two, we just have to be fearless and earn the right to play.

“We have to get the balance right, keeping our shape and being as safe as we can without being negative.

“We are one of the smallest clubs in the league and have been in the play-offs the last two seasons. We have always been punching above our weight as a club.”

Liam Waldock, who scored the winner in the last round, said: “This could be the biggest game in some of the lads' careers, so we are raring to go.”

The 24-year-old midfielder was released after a five-year stint at Sheffield Wednesday in 2022 and said games like this are an opportunity to prove yourself.

“Playing against a team in the EFL, people will always be watching. I will be going out there to show what I can do," he added.

“After being at Wednesday I’ve played at many stadiums now. When you cross that white line you just concentrate on the game and helping your team.

“We are going there to win. Football is a crazy game and you never know what’s going to happen.”