City came away pointless from The Impact Arena after a 2-1 defeat to Alfreton Town. City conceded two first half goals from set pieces which were pegged back in the second half by Lee Hughes' 3rd goal in two games.

City were without keeper Nathan Vaughan who was replaced by Daniel Lloyd-Weston & City Academy product Dean Waldron who came in for his first League start of the season for Rob Elvins after being recalled from his load period. Shaun Harrad made his first start in place of Sean Geddes.

The home side got off to a great start, putting City under constant early pressure which was rewarded in the 8th minute. A long throw in from Niall Heaton was headed out by Daniel Nti on the six yard line but into the path of the incoming Ryan Wilson whose superbly executed shot from 25 yards out found the top right hand corner giving Daniel Lloyd-Weston no chance.

City responded with a corner and a claim for a penalty which was turned down then shortly afterwards the busy Dean Waldron stole the ball on the half way line bursting forward, but with Lee Hughes in plenty of space looking for a pass, the youngster chose to shoot, the rebound fell to Hughes but he was unable to control the shot.

On 22 minutes Alfreton were awarded a soft free kick which was played into the box by Joe Leesley to the unchallenged Jordan Robertson and with Daniel Lloyd-Weston in no mans land, the header from Robertson looped over the stranded keeper into the goal.

Ten minutes later City had the chance of a life line. Lloyd-Weston's free kick forward deep inside the City half was flicked on by Lee Hughes into the path of Daniel Nti who was brought down by Niall Heaton. Nti stepped up to take the resulting penalty which was placed at the right height for Alfreton keeper Matt Duke who guessed the right way to save.

Alfreton continued to press forward and nearly had a third but the stretching Jamie Jackson at the near post couldn't quite reach Sam Berry's cross and the ball was claimed by Lloyd-Weston.

Early in the second half Jordan Robertson shot inches over from just outside the box for the home side.

City brought on Ashley Vincent six minutes into the second half for the injured Nti and City pushed forward.

Alfreton had a penalty appeal of their own, claiming a hand ball which was turned down then the game turned more in City's favour with the introduction of Deon Burton. Within a minute Ashley Vincent's cross beat everyone which was picked up by Ellis Deeney wide on the left. His cross found Lee Hughes in the six yard box and his header was brilliantly saved by Matt Duke.

Alfreton were lucky to finish the game with 10 men after Niall Heaton brought down Vincent, he escaped a second yellow and was immediately taken off.

On 69 minutes City did pull one back. With Alfreton on the attack Ellis Deeney won possession deep in the City half, Alex Gudgers clearance was flicked on by Deon Burton into the path of Dean Waldron who burst forward on the left. He was brought down by Joe Leesley and the resulting free kick from Ashley Vincent was headed back across the goal by Alex Gudger to Lee Hughes whose over head kick beat the stranded Duke.

City continued to press and in their best move of the game saw Vincent's shot go tamely wide then Lee Hughes' near post header went wide from a Danny Jackman corner.

Daniel Lloyd-Weston then made a fine save with his legs after Sam Berry was put through for Alfreton.

City were unable to force any clear cut chances in the remaining few minutes and Alfreton held on to claim the points.

Att: 489