Alfreton Town host Derby County's Under 21s side for an eagerly anticipated Derbyshire Senior Challenge Cup quarter-final tie at the Impact Stadium tonight.
Both teams will be hoping to build on impressive victories in the previous round, with Alfreton thrashing Ilkeston 6-1 and Derby's youngsters beating tenth-tier side Graham Street Prims 4-0 away.
The fixture was initially scheduled for the 10th of January but the game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
The match kicks off at 7:45pm and the victor will go away to Belper Town in the semi-final for a chance to reach the final at Pride Park Stadium; where they will face either Buxton or Belper United. These semi-finals are scheduled for the 14th of March.
Alfreton have been in a much better vein of form since their meeting with Ilkeston in the last round. At the time, Billy Heath's men were without a win in six games in all competitions, but now the Reds are flying with only two losses from 12 games (6 wins, 4 draws).
In stark contrast, the visitors have endured a torrid time in the Premier League 2 Division 2 this season, sitting rock bottom of the division with just one point from 13 matches.
The Opposition Lowdown
The Young Rams are clearly feeling the ramifications of being the only League One club with a Category 1 academy competing against mainly Premier League opposition, and sit 8 points adrift of their closest contenders, Stoke.
There is no relegation from PL2 Division 2, however Derby's Under 21s side will be hoping this game can kick-start a sudden and drastic upturn in their form to start to get close to the former successes of their well-established academy set-up.
They are coming off of a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to arch-rivals Nottingham Forest, a result which piles on the misery of what has already proven to be a dismal campaign for head coach Pat Lyons' side.
The Star Man
If Derby's youngsters are going to get something from this game, the man at the heart of it will be Northern Irish midfielder Darren Robinson.
The versatile 18 -year-old has made 10 appearances this year in the PL2 Division 2 and since arriving from Dungannon Swifts at 16, has made his first team league debut for Derby and featured numerous times on the bench for the Rams.
His impressive technique and maturity beyond his years make it seem as though the Northern Ireland under-19 international is destined for future successes.
Team News
Alfreton are expected to rest a number of key players for this fixture with important league games coming up.
Rare starts could come the way of fringe players Jake Askew, Tom Denton and Ahmed Salam.
The Reds announced the signing of defender and Notts County academy graduate Peter Dearle on Tuesday, but this game may come too soon for him to feature.
It is also possible that Derby Under 21s may rest a few of their players who featured in the last game against Nottingham Forest. Goalkeeper Alfie Roberts is expected to get a run out, meaning Harry Evans will likely drop to the bench.
Last Time Out
Alfreton have never faced Derby's Under 21s side, however, the Reds have beaten Derby's senior side twice in pre-season friendlies. Most recently, at the beginning of this season as Alfreton ran out 2-1 winners at the Impact, thanks to goals from Fraser Preston and Dayle Southwell.
Tickets are available on the gate at the reduced prices of £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £3 for children.
Comments