Moors produced a gutsy performance at The Impact Arena on Tuesday night to become the first side to beat Alfreton Town at home in almost a year.
It was last November when The Reds last tasted defeat on their own patch, but Graeme Lee’s men were worth their triumph after putting in a display full of desire in Derbyshire.
In the end it was a scruffy own goal which proved decisive, but it was their willingness to put their bodies on the line to protect their clean sheet which ultimately made the difference.
Alfreton had started the game well. They came out of the traps at high tempo and Jake Day saw a looping header cleared off the line by Michael Ledger before also being denied by a wonderful block from keeper Brad James as the hosts looked to take the game to their visitors.
However, as the first half developed, Moors clawed their way back into the game and began to enjoy more possession – and started to show their teeth in an attacking sense too.
The first opportunity for Lee’s men came at the end of a dangerous break when Isaac Fletcher drove into the left side of the penalty area before drilling a powerful shot just wide of the front post.
Another lightning counterattack saw Rob Ramshaw and Will Harris run clear two on one, but the duo couldn’t work the ball effectively enough to trouble home keeper George Willis and Alfreton survived.
Olly Dyson and Harris both had decent efforts on goal as Moors started the second half positively, though James also had to make a fine save down low to his right as Liam Waldock threatened.
The crucial moment arrived on 64 minutes. Matty Dolan swung a brilliant free-kick into the far post which was punched straight up in the air by Willis, spiralling downwards and deflecting over the line via the head of a helpless home defender.
After that, it was all about resolve from Moors. However, they also carried a threat on the counter and Fletcher could have made it 2-0 after good work from Harris but the midfielder steered a shot just wide.
The ball was relentlessly fired into the Moors penalty area as Alfreton looked for a leveller but the rearguard – led superbly by the outstanding Dan Rowe – repelled everything that was thrown at it.
Adam Lund thought he had rescued a point late on when he drilled a low shot at goal from a right-wing corner but James once again got down to save as Moors clinched a memorable away victory.
Full Time: Alfreton Town 0 Moors 1
Alfreton Town: Willis, Clackstone, Hunt, Wiley, Newall, Lund, Cantrill, Waldock, Fewster (Salmon 81), Whitehouse (Moyo 70), Day.
Subs not used: Anson, Askew, Abbey.
Booked: Lund (67)
Moors: James, Ledger, Rowe, Beals, Staunton, Dolan, Ross, Dyson, Ramshaw, Fletcher, Harris (McKeown 83).
Subs not used: Johnson, Myers, McGinley, Mondal.
Booked: Fletcher (74), Staunton (90)
Referee: Declan Brown
Attendance: 388
Photo Credit: Bill Wheatcroft
