Alfreton boss Billy Heath said he was “so proud” of his players despite the non-league side bowing out of the FA Cup in a narrow 1-0 second-round replay defeat at Walsall.
Mat Sadler’s Saddlers scraped past the National League North side to nervously book a third-round trip to Southampton in January.
But Heath could not have been happier with the way his side matched up the team from 42 places above them in the English football pyramid.
He said: “We’ve had two really good games between two really honest teams.
“We gave them a real game at our place last week and in the second half tonight I actually thought we were the better team.”
Over 180 minutes of football, after last Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw, it took just one goal to separate the two sides – and Walsall got it six minutes in through Jamille Matt.
Douglas James-Taylor’s menacing run down the left opened up the non-league side’s defence, skipper Donervon Daniels’ miscued shot fell kindly and Matt kept his cool to score from close range – the injury-hit striker’s first goal of the season on only his fourth start.
“Even that one goal was a bit lucky,” said Heath. “It was just a deflection that fell kindly for them.”
But there was no further breakthrough as Alfreton keeper George Willis made solid saves to deny Brandon Comley, Tom Knowles, Ryan Stirk and a James-Taylor header, while Matt twice should have done better in one-on-ones.
In a game of 10 bookings, including one for visiting boss Heath, the visitors were starting to threaten a lot more as half-time approached. And they stepped it up after the break.
Walsall had chances to seal it a bit more comfortably as James-Taylor hit a post with a wide angled chip, while Liam Gordon went close with a left-foot shot.
But the closest either side came was a blocked shot from visiting skipper Shaun Brisley which span up over the bar – to ensure that it is the Saddlers who go to St Mary’s.
“I enjoyed it from lots and lots of perspectives,” said Walsall boss Sadler. “But especially from a team perspective.
“Those are the sort of games you really like to win when you know every player has had to contribute to get you a result.
“The work that they have had to put in to help us win the game against a very tough Alfreton team gives you a good feeling.
“And I was delighted that it was Jamille Matt who got the goal as it topped off a very good performance from him and will do him the world of good.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. VVD : Don't forget to buy the CB Only legends know the meaning of this.. Grown men doing the Gyokeres celebration whilst running down the street… Genius from this Liverpool fan England: Can you share with us Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: zhibo8, Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball)...
Rodygo's brutal stance on Tottenham transfer revealedTottenham Hotspur have expressed interest in signing Rodrygo Goes from Real Madrid, but the Brazilian winger reportedly has no intention of joining the Premier League side. While the Lilywhites have explored a possible move, the 24-year-old has his sights set on a 'bigger club than Tottenham' if he leaves the Santiago Bernabeu this summer follow...
Leicester are aiming to build a squad capable of making an immediate return to the Premier League for the 2026-27 season, and to do this, they may need to sign a new starting goalkeeper. Mads Hermansen has attracted strong interest from West Ham in recent weeks, and if he does depart, a replacement would be needed.If Hermansen does leave, Leicester will hope to secure a significant fee, which will...
Pep Guardiola has reiterated that he will take a break from coaching after leaving Manchester City, admitting it could be as long as 15 years.The Spaniard, 54, is the most successful manager in City's history, having won 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.His contract expires in 2027 and while Guardiola has not specified when he will leave the club, he has on...
Benjamin Sesko is reportedly 'impressed' by Manchester United after being made aware of Ruben Amorim's long-term plans. A pursuit of a new centre-forward could lead the Red Devils towards making a formal approach for the RB Leipzig star.United will not be deterred in their search for a new No. 9 despite missing out on Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres. Amorim has already improved his forward line wit...
Chelsea accept Al Nassr offer for FelixChelsea have accepted an offer from Al Nassr for Joao Felix.The Portugal attacker is on his way to Saudi Arabia after Chelsea agreed a €30m fee with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr.The deal includes a sell-on clause which will meet the original €50m Chelsea were demanding, says TMW.All parties are now in agreement and contracts are being drawn up.Fel...
Man Utd and Newcastle in talks with Sesko's management with offers expected very soonManchester United and Newcastle United are in talks with Benjamin Sesko's management this week as they prepare a bid for the striker.Leipzig are not expected to allow the 22-year-old to depart on the cheap, with between 360M and 380M reported to be their asking price this summer as they seek to sell the Slovenian ...
Roony scores on Barcelona debut in victory over Vissel KobeRoony Bardghji featured and scored on an unofficial debut for Barcelona today.Barca played a friendly against Vissel Kobe in a training match today, winning 3-1.Roony was a second-half substitute, along with fellow new arrival Marcus Rashford, and struck after good lead-up play from Robert Lewandowski.Eric Garcia gave Barca the lead in the...
Real Madrid drop asking price for Rodrygo after Liverpool sell Diaz to Bayern MunichLiverpool have gotten a transfer boost as Real Madrid have set a new asking price for Rodrygo this summer.Liverpool also continue to be linked with a blockbuster move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak in a deal that would please fans but would not make a lot of sense on paper after the sale of Diaz to Bay...
Inter may drop Lookman chase as CEO eyes ‘crucial’ week Inter Milan may abandon their pursuit of Ademola Lookman as they await Atalanta’s response to their initial offer this week.The Serie A side submitted a new €45 million (339m/$42m) bid for the Nigeria international, according to Calciomercato, following the rejection of their initial offer.CEO Beppe Marotta described t...
- 1 Loris Karius lifts lid on relationship with Diletta Leotta
- 2 Jack Grealish shares sweet holiday snaps as girlfriend stuns in a yellow maxi dress
- 3 Man City make move for Jules Kounde
- 4 Enzo Fernandez agrees Real Madrid move
- 5 Man City to re-sign Trafford in $36M deal
- 6 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 7 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 8 Ex-Prem star 'drowned in pool hours before flight home for son's birthday'
- 9 Man City boss Guardiola delivers definitive answer to Barcelona return question
- 10 Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides injury update on Gabriel Magalhaes & Jurrien Timber after defensive pair sit out Gunners' pre-season win over AC Milan