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LAW: "THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT NEXT SEASON"

ALFRETON Town manager Nicky Law has promised supporters that things will be different next season.
The Reds boss was still smarting from another under par display on Tuesday night as his side failed to lift the Derbyshire Senior Cup.

With just one game to go this season, Saturday's home game against Hinckley United, Law clearly feels it is time to sort out the men from the boys in his squad as soon as the final whistle blows.

He said: "The back end of the season has been somewhat disappointing if I am honest. It has been the same old story. We keep saying that on our day we are as good as anybody but all too often we are falling short and of late the disappointing performances are far outweighing the positive ones.

"I certainly know that over the next week or so I have got decisions to make on players but one thing is for sure, I know I have got to bring a different type of player in.

"It is so frustrating when you see the team perform how well they did against Southport recently and then against Redditch and Belper over the past few days.

"Belper was an instance. We have gone there and played a team who, with all due respect, aren't as good as we are technically, but they had individuals who wanted to win more than we did. Only three or four of our players emerged with any credit. We were shocking. We never played enough, weren't brave enough on or off the ball. It is about the desire and the effort.

"We have probably got some very nice and technical players who are very good but when it comes to the crunch we haven't got the other side. We have got some good young players but it has been asking too much of so many youngsters to come together and succeed.

"We have got to get the balance right and better. Wheels are in motion and have been for a while to try and find those sort of players for next season.

There is another massive ingredient which is desire and will to win and the willingness to overcome your opponent. Unfortunately, we were sadly lacking in that department at Belper and to be fair, in a fair few games of late. That has to change.

"It is not all gloom and doom though. I am sure Hucknall, Vauxhall and Leigh would swap places with us. We live to fight another day and next year will be different."

The chance of silverware was ended on Tuesday night when Belper Town held the Reds to a 1-1 draw at Christchurch Meadow in the second leg of the Senior Cup final, the Nailers taking the trophy for the first time in 28 years with a 4-3 aggregate success. Chris Walton had got Alfreton on level terms when he shot them in front on 65 minutes but a Ross Hannah penalty seven minutes later swung the trophy Belper's way.

This Saturday the Reds bring the curtain down on the 2007/08 season when Hinckley United visit the Impact Arena for the final Blue Square conference North game of the campaign (3pm).

Following the game, the annual presentation of awards will take place in the Reds Bar.

Physiotherapist required
Alfreton Town Football Club invite applications for the position of first team sports physiotherapist.
All enquiries in the first instance should be made to Lisa Towerzey on 01159 392090 ext. 107.

The successful person will replace the popular Doug Kyle who has decided to team up with Steve Charles at Gainsborough Trinity, thereby ending a three year stint at the Impact Arena.

Under-19s
Alfreton Town Under-19s will travel to face Teversal at their Carnarvon Street ground in the final of the Mini Shield this Thursday, April 24. Kick-off is 7.45pm.
Next Monday brings another cup final when the young Reds face Sheffield FC at Staveley MW FC in the final of the League Cup (7.45pm).
Completing a crunch week next Thursday (May 1) is the final league game of the season when a win over Handsworth at the Impact Arena will see Alfreton crowned league champions.

Marples leaves
Chris Marples resigned his position as assistant manager of the club last Friday. The former Chesterfield goalkeeper felt he would be unable to fulfil his commitments at the club next season due to several work-orientated factors.