Derby day win for Worksop Town against struggling Alfreton
Aaron Martin’s coolly taken penalty proved decisive as Worksop Town secured all three points on Boxing Day with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Alfreton Town at the Windsor Foodservice Stadium.
The contest began cautiously, with chances at a premium in a largely tight first half. The visitors came closest to opening the scoring early on when midfielder George Cantrill showed good footwork to drift past the Worksop defence before firing goalwards, only for a deflection to take his effort just wide of the post. Worksop responded patiently, looking to build momentum without forcing the issue.
Jordan Burrow was at the heart of most of the Tigers’ attacking play and had the best chance of the opening period. With three minutes remaining before the interval, the forward rose well to meet a cross but could only loop his header over the bar, leaving the sides level at the break.
After the restart, Worksop showed greater intent. Burrow once again threatened early in the second half, attempting to catch the Alfreton defence off guard with a first-time effort, but his shot was bravely blocked.
The breakthrough arrived on 57 minutes when Vaughan Redford was brought down inside the penalty area following a driving run. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Aaron Martin stepped up to confidently send the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Alfreton searched for a response and had a rare opening when Mark Beck attempted an ambitious volley from distance, but the strike failed to trouble the Worksop goal.
The Tigers almost doubled their advantage moments later, with Burrow firing a low shot from close range that was superbly saved by Alfreton goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne.
Late pressure from the Reds tested Worksop’s resilience. Kieran Wallace came agonisingly close to an equaliser with a powerful strike in the final minute, only for Ben Grist to make a crucial block. A frantic goalmouth scramble followed in stoppage time, but the Tigers defended resolutely to see out the win.
The victory extends Worksop Town’s unbeaten league run to four matches.