Alfreton Town assistant boss Russ O'Neill is demanding his side embark on another long unbeaten run after losing their first game in 12 on Saturday.

The Reds lost 3-2 against Gainsborough but are still third in the table and look well set for the play-offs.

"We just need to get back to where we were," O'Neill said.

"We got away from it a little bit at Gainsborough but we discussed things with the players on Tuesday at training and we have nine cup finals left."

Farsley Celtic's expulsion means Alfreton have lost six points and the league table is looking much tighter.

We will be looking at those nine games as a sort of mini-season Russ O'Neill

"We went 11 points clear of the chasing pack after the win over Droylsden and we're back down to five," O'Neill said.

"But we can't let that affect us, we will just keep going."

There are now just six points separating Alfreton in third from Stalybridge Celtic in eighth.

The disbanding of Farsley means there will be only be 40 league games this season and Alfreton are down to the last nine.

O'Neill added: "We have to get focused straight away again. We will be looking at those nine games as a sort of mini-season in which we need to pick up two points a game again like we have been doing of late.

"If we do that we will be in the mix."

Alfreton are at home against Blyth Spartans on Saturday.

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