ALFRETON Town approach Christmas in dire straits in the Vanarama Conference Premier – but manager Nicky Law remains convinced that they are not too far away from improving their fortunes.
The Reds – in theory – have a glorious opportunity to do so tomorrow when they visit a side in every bit as much both as themselves, Nuneaton Town.
Both sides have scored 20 goals and conceded 45 but Nuneaton are a point better off.
Law believes his side have acquitted themselves well against stronger sides in the Conference and how they fare against sides like Nuneaton, further down the table, could be key to their chances of turning the season round.
"In the last three games we have made steady progress but it's the same thing, we have lost," he said.
"But if we can play like that against the lesser teams, we have a chance.
"We have to take belief into tomorrow's game."
Law was heartened by some of what he saw in the 2-1 defeat at home to Gateshead on Tuesday.
"We went out against what I think are the best passing team in the league and we passed the ball really well," he maintained.
"In the first 20 minutes, we were great.
"We kept the ball, worked it well and had a good shape but we didn't score and when we don't get the opening or break, we seem to change things when we have no need to.
"There are positive signs. They are small steps we are making, but we are making them.
"And there is not too much damage done. Everyone else around us lost and we are still in there."
It is the halfway point in the season, in terms of games, and Alfreton are six points away from safety.
Nuneaton are managed by Liam Daish, the former Republic of Ireland international, who spent eight years in charge at Ebbsfleet United and took over at Nuneaton in September.
He recently admitted that the task there is bigger than he envisaged – like the Reds, they are a part-time outfit.
"This is definitely a tougher job than I thought it would be. I would say that for certain," said Daish.
"I have tried to address things and I have said to the lads I will keep working with them until things are sorted – it is hard, though."
l Alfreton have announced that the sponsorship for their community development scheme from locally-based confectioners Thornton's is being used to provide free season tickets for youngsters to see the remaining home games in the 2014-15 season.
Up to 180 children will benefit and the tickets are being handed out in local schools.
