Tomlinson nets Alfreton winner at Mansfield

They were given the ultimate extra Christmas present on Boxing Day when Nicky Law’s much-changed side recorded their fifth away win in the league this season as they came from behind to record a 2-1 local derby win over Mansfield Town in front of 4,186 at the One Call Stadium.

John Dempster put the Stags in front on 35 minutes but the lead lasted only two minutes as Paul Clayton headed his 11th goal of the season to get Alfreton level.

And it was another in-form striker, Clayton’s strike partner Ben Tomlinson, who got what proved to be the winner on 57 minutes with his eighth of the campaign.

It was a first ever win for the Reds over the Stags and was a first victory in six games in all competitions but it lifted the team to 15th in the table with a game in hand on most of the sides above them.

A win from that game in hand would leave the side just six points outside the play-off places with half of the season still to go.

And with manager Law having off-loaded three players in recent weeks to free up funds, the squad is set to be strengthened in the January transfer window with the Reds boss hopeful of adding up to four new faces.

This Saturday Alfreton have their final game of an eventful 2012 when they travel to relegation-fighting Nuneaton Town who produced a 3-0 win over the Reds at the Impact Arena on August Bank Holiday Monday. Kick-off is 3pm.

New Year’s Day game all ticket

New Year’s Day sees the return fixture with Mansfield Town. Supporters should note that this is an all-ticket game which kicks-off at the earlier than usual time of 1pm.

Tickets for the game are priced at £18 for adults and £12 for concessions and Alfreton fans should note the times of the availability of tickets for sale.

Home fans can purchase these from the Impact Arena at the following times:

December 27: 10am-1pm

December 28: 9am-4pm

December 29: 10am-12 noon

December 30: NO SALES

December 31: 10am-1pm

Early Bird Match Tickets are not available for this fixture and there will be no admission by payment at the turnstiles on the day of the game.