A.T.F.C.S.A.
Alfreton Town F.C. Supporters Association
Sandy Lane, Worksop, Sat 20/08/05.
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As we couldn't find anywhere of good enough attraction for a stop off, and since it's only just up the
road, we decided to leave a little later than what would be normal, at 1.30pm, although we didn't set off until around 1.45, due to the pre match refreshment at the Vic running over slightly! Even with the late departure we still made it to Worksop in time for a swift one in The Grafton, and one in the clubhouse. It was disappointing though to discover that The Grafton no longer serves real ale. The clubhouse is about on par with what you get elsewhere, selling the usual stuff, at a similar price.
I couldn't see that the ground had changed any since our last visit, but given all the problems at the
club last season it is in a good state of repair. The good size club house is situated at the back of one end along with all the entrance and exit gates and takes up a good portion of what would otherwise be a small terrace. As it is, this end is little more than hard standing with a few steps under a very small, almost bus shelter like, cover. To the right are two small banks of covered seating separated at the half way line by the dugouts and flanked at the ends by hard standing. Behind the opposite goal there is a small uncovered 3 step terrace that just extends to the edge of the area, and is penned in at the back with Herris fencing and grass. Down along the other side is a small and strange looking main stand, extending out from the half way line to the edge of each area, with hard standing at either side.
We were housed at the "bus shelter" end for the first half, which was just as well, as some of us just
walked out if the club house in time for kick off, while others had hot footed it up from the Grafton!
Plenty of noise from the good following of around 70 Reds fans in the first period, and even after we went a goal down in the 8th minuet. Weather the good vocal backing was a help or not, I don't know, but quarter of an hour later we equalised trough a good Jon Stevenson header.
Things were a little quieter in the second half but we continued to out shout the home fans right to the end. It was good to see the players come over after the whistle and give the travelling fans a clap. This didn't go un-noticed by any of us and was much appreciated. It's things like this that will go a long way building the player - supporter relationship.
A good goal, a good sing song, and our first point of the season made for an enjoyable day out, and we all headed off to The Vic back in Alfreton to reflect on the improved performance over a couple of pints of proper beer!
