Thewlis Craves Step Up After Alfreton's Sensational Start

The Alfreton Town man has played the vast majority of his career at the level for clubs including Harrogate Town, Guiseley, Spennymoor Town, Boston United and Gainsborough Trinity.

He is still doing the business at Step 2, demonstrated by his winning goal at the weekend at Tamworth - the Reds’ third victory in a row after a sizzling start to the new season.

But he wants another go at the National League after a brief stint in 2019 and the 30-year-old thinks he can do it with Alfreton.

He told us: “It would be nice to get out of this league! I’ve played nearly all my career in the National League North, it’s a strong division.

“I had a season four years ago in the National League with Harrogate and I want another one. We’ve got the team to get us there, I really think that. We’ve got some really good players, we’re building every year.

“We just need to replicate what we did last season. Be consistent, be hard to beat and win our home games. Then it’s a case of seeing where it takes you. Two points a game gets you somewhere near where you need to be.”

He says Billy Heath is a manager who is a mentality monster and after a fifth place finish last time, the sky is the limit for the Alfreton squad.

He said after the narrow win at ten-man Tamworth: “It was a bad performance, a bit of a smash and grab but we’ll take that all day. Not too many teams will come to Tamworth and win this season I don’t think.

“Backing up wins is probably the hardest thing to do in this league, so three on the spin - you’ve got to be pleased with that.

“The gaffer is demanding and his will to win is like no other manager you’ll play for. He breeds a winning mentality into everyone who walks through the door. Football is always better when you’re winning, as we know.”