Last season's Southern League champions, with former Premiership ace Julian Joachim leading their attack, perhaps enjoyed the better chances but overall a draw was a fair outcome as defences dominated.
Brian Cusworth celebrated his first start o
f the season with a typical headed goal that nudged the Reds in front five minutes after the interval, but Lynn were level within four minutes through striker Jack Defty.
Alfreton's goal stemmed from a Ben Muirhead corner that was headed back across the area by Paul Ellender – Kyle McFadzean latched on to the ball and supplied Cusworth with the perfect pass to head over visiting keeper Howie from eight yards.
Defty's equaliser was peculiar in that he was allowed oceans of time and space virtually in front of goal before sliding home Sedgemore's cross, the Reds' defence seemingly glued to the spot as they left responsibility to each other.
In between the goals, home keeper Tom Evans had to tip round a low drive from Francis, and midway through the first-half the Alfreton custodian dived full-length to tip round a stinging free-kick by Frew.
The visitors stepped up the pressure after their equaliser but resolute defending prevented any further incursion, though Evans again had to come to the rescue to palm away a shot from Francis in the 56th minute.
The game ended on a sour note with Lynn skipper Crane given his marching orders after barging into Evans and triggering an ill-tempered fracas.
Alfreton: Evans; Marples, McFadzean, Ellender, McIntosh, Curtis, Law, Muirhead, Cusworth (Hall 68), Davidson (Bowler 89), Clayton. Other subs: Butler, Brown, McCormack.
Attendance: 501
The full article contains 309 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
