2005/06 season match No.9
FA Cup, 2nd Qualifying Round
Saturday, September 24th
St Helens Town 0 , Alfreton Town 2
Match report by Clive Edwards

“IF he misses any more headers like that, we’ll be sending him back,” quipped manager Gary Mills with a grin on his face, as he reflected on Mick Godber’s second-half miss from inside the six-yard box.
It was the comment of a manager who knew his side had just played well, that his latest acquisition had made a significant contribution, and that his side is beginning to look like a settled outfit who can play competent, sometimes creative football.
In more serious vein, Gary Mills’ post-match analysis of Mick Godber’s qualities showed a clear admiration for the striker. “The thing with Mick is that the ball sticks, and this allows us to play. When the ball is moved upfield to him, he can hold on to it, and allow us to get forward to support him. In previous games, the ball has gone forward and come back too quickly. Mick Godber knows the game well, and knows how to help his side to play.”
Godber will doubtless be cross with himself for not scoring on his return to the Reds following his transfer from Worksop in midweek. The miss referred to by his manager came in the 55th minute, when Alfreton were already two goals up. Jason Blunt had crossed a ball from the right touchline to Chris White at the far side of the box. The winger slipped past his marker and chipped the ball to Godber just inside the six yard box , at headable height, only the goalkeeper to beat. Travelling Alfreton fans leapt joyfully to the air behind the goal… but prematurely. The ball skidded wide, and Godber and fans held their heads in hands in disbelief. Inches away from a dream return.
Earlier, Godber had made Jon Stevenson’s second goal, at the very end of the first half, chipping a delicate cross to Chris White who unselfishly fed the ball to the little striker to slip the ball home. Two minutes prior to that, Stevenson had opened the scoring with a beauty. St Helen’s keeper Colin Grffiths hoofed the ball downfield, Gary Mills saw the opening and headed the return first time over the advancing home defence who all appealed for offside against the retreating Godber. With justification, the referee decided that Godber was not interfering with play. The ball looped to Stevenson on the edge of the box, and he calmly lobbed the ball over the keeper into the net.
It was that kind of game. Some lovely touches from the Alfreton team, some scrappy play in between. St Helens matched the Reds for the first twenty minutes of the game, but as Alfreton began to dominate play in midfield and on the flanks, the Reds looked increasingly competent and comfortable.
Chris White was given plenty of space on the left wing. Gary Mills needs no one to point out players in space. He sees them well before other players do. Time and time again he swiped a long diagonal ball out to White from midfield. In the 29th minute, such a 40 yard pass from his manager reached the winger. He controlled it deftly, danced round three defenders into the box only to smash the shot disappointingly over the bar. It should have been a goal. It would have been a beauty.
For their part, St Helens did create some chances, but only one golden opportunity. That was in the 61st minute, when a rare defensive slip in the Reds’ back four allowed Dean Carley a shot at goal. Perhaps Gregg Smith’s advance put him off. Whatever the cause, he shot wide, and with that went any hopes of a St Helens comeback.
One of the many pleasing aspects of this game for Gary Mills will have been the performance of Steven Woolley, who replaced him early in the second half. Woolley, like Chris White, has great ball skills, pace and confidence. He is a joy to watch. Mills commented: “ He’s just twenty years old. He needs to learn when to keep and when to let go of the ball. But he’s got a great attitude and he’s got something that excites me. I want to bring good players like that on.”
Over the past few matches, many of the Alfreton players seem to have cemented their position in the team. The two full backs were again excellent- Ryan Clarke impresses as a defender and as an attacker. The two centre backs looked solid, and best of all, White, Stevenson and Godber in the front line looked as though they were enjoying playing together. They certainly created chances for each other.
“This was a potential banana skin game,” said Mills. “But we’ve come here and done a job. It’s our first clean sheet of the season, and I’m delighted we’re in the hat.”
Cynics might say that this was a victory against a side from an inferior league. But there were too many plus points to be too cynical.
Liam Powell - who looked impressive in pre-season games - will also be a relieved man at having finally seen some first team action - despite it being as a late substitute in the club's ninth outing of the campaign.

St Helens Town - Colin Griffiths (Gk), Michael Owens Darren Byers 82), Paul Pomford, Paul Grogan, Dave Barnes, Karl Robinson (Lee Madin 59), Mischa Showers, Jordan Milsom (Chris Neziamya 59), Gary Jensen (capt), Joe Gibizdru Jnr., Dean Carley.
Subs not used: Ross Kennedy, Paul Forester
Alfreton Town - Greg Smith,Ryan Clarke, Lee Featherstone, David Robinson, Mark Turner, Gary Mills (Stephen Woolley 56), Jason Blunt, Matt Fisher, Mick Godber, Jon Stevenson, Chris White (Liam Powell 82).
Subs not used: Neil Ross, Emeka Nwadike, Chris Bettney.
Scorers - Alfreton Town: Jon Stevenson (45), Jon Stevenson (45+2)
Referee: Mr J R Tyas.
Attendance: 109.
Man of the match: Ryan Clarke.