Matty Dolan struck a wonderful late free-kick as Moors clinched their place in the Fourth Round of the FA Trophy in dramatic fashion with victory at Alfreton Town.

The midfielder’s brilliant set-piece was enough to settle an absorbing cup tie at The Impact Arena as Moors made the most of their man advantage during the closing half hour after Adam Lund’s red card for the hosts.

Glen Taylor was thrown in for his first start since October as Moors boss Graeme Lee showed that a good run in the FA Trophy is a target for his squad this term.

Moors saw plenty of the ball during a cagey opening in windy conditions in Derbyshire and there was a decent chance for Isaac Fletcher on 18 minutes but the midfielder stuck his effort into the side netting.

Taylor almost announced his recall in style a few minutes later when he got into a scoring position inside the box only to be denied by some excellent last-ditch defending from the hosts.

The wind continued to cause issues for both teams, though it almost helped Fletcher open the scoring just after the half hour, but this time his shot came back off the bar.

Alfreton responded with a couple of half chances of their own as the home side ended the first half on the front foot and Moors were thankful for an excellent save from Brad James just before the break.

Liam Waldock – who scored the winner when The Reds knocked Moors out of the FA Cup earlier in the season – struck a shot wide of goal early in the second half as the hosts continued to press.

However, the game swung in Moors favour just before the hour mark when referee Dan England sent-off Alfreton midfielder Lund for an incident inside the penalty area.

Jake Askew was called upon to make a brilliant save to deny Taylor when play got back underway, while Moors also came close from the resultant corner.

Things became scrappy as Alfreton began slowing the game down, though Askew had to make another brilliant save on 80 minutes as Moors threatened from a set-piece.

The crucial moment arrived on 86 minutes. Moors were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box and Dolan stepped up to crash a superb shot past Askew and fire Lee’s side into Round Four.

Full Time: Alfreton Town 0 Moors 1

Alfreton Town: Askew, Clackstone, Newall, Lund, Cantrill, Hunt, Wiley, Day (Moyo 78), Fewster, Salmon (Abbey 85), Waldock.
Subs not used: Whitehouse, Perritt, Anson.

Booked: Askew (69)

Sent-off: Lund (56)

Moors: James, Dyson, Ledger, Beals, Staunton, Dolan, Ross, Shrimpton (Rutledge 81), Fletcher, Ramshaw, Taylor.
Subs not used: Johnson, Luck, McGinley, Mondal, McKeown.

Booked: Beals (55)

Referee: Dan England

Attendance: 231