Alfreton Town Faces Biggleswade Town Amid Controversy Over Previous Match Cancellation

Alfreton Town Football Club is preparing for an important Emirates FA Cup third qualifying round fixture against Biggleswade Town at the Impact Arena. The match comes after two postponements at Biggleswade Town’s Longford Road ground, one of which left players and fans stranded after a long journey to Bedfordshire. According to Alfreton Town, an agreement with the Football Association allowed the venue change due to pressing fixture needs.

In their most recent league outing, Alfreton Town managed a goalless draw against Hereford FC, extending their unbeaten streak to eleven matches in the National League North since their opening day defeat at Southport. Manager Billy Heath expressed his desire for a clear victory, hoping to progress smoothly to the final qualifying round.

Biggleswade Town, despite their struggles in the Southern League Premier Central this season, should not be underestimated. Having advanced to the fourth and final qualifying round in the past two seasons, they bring a competitive edge to the field. They recently secured their first league win of the season with a 2-1 away victory at Bishop’s Stortford, a testament to their potential resurgence.

The controversy surrounding their previous fixture arose after the Tuesday match was called off just 75 minutes before kick-off. This led to frustrations voiced on social media by fans and players, notably Alfreton’s goalkeeper George Willis, who criticized the late announcement and expressed disappointment over the long journey faced by supporters and club members. The decision was described as a setback, especially given earlier assurances that the match would proceed as planned.

Biggleswade Town responded to the backlash by detailing the sequence of events on the day of the match, citing unexpected weather conditions and challenges in arranging a pitch inspection. They acknowledged the communication gap with fans and pledged to improve future notifications.

The stakes remain high as the victor of the upcoming match will face Spennymoor Town in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round, vying for a spot in the First Round Proper. Alfreton Town aims to leverage their home advantage at the Impact Arena, while both teams hope to avoid further disruptions.

Admission to the match at the Impact Arena is priced at £15 for adults, with various concessions available. Due to limited parking, visitors are advised to use pay and display options nearby and be considerate of local residents.