STRIKER Howard Forinton was left empty-handed after the Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by visitors Alfreton Town on Saturday.

The former Peterborough United hot shot stepped up to the spot when United were awarded a late penalty only to be denied - by strike partner Richard Ball.

"I was nominated to take the penalties before the game so I was disappointed not to be taking it," Forinton explained. "It is a club matter but I'm just happy that we managed to get a point in the end."

And the striker admitted the players let themselves down during a lacklustre opening period.

"We talked before the game about making this a hard place to come for teams and I don't think we did that in the first half," Forinton added. "We approached the game looking as though we only had to turn up and we'd have three points. But they battled away and are a typical Conference North team, big and strong and fairly well organised.

"We were disappointed going in at half-time because we didn't do ourselves justice. But we gave it a better shot in the second half and I thought we had enough chances to win the game.

"I had one cleared off the line, although I didn't strike it properly, and others went close. When the goal came late on I think we were then happy to settle for a point.

"Obviously being a forward I like to score goals. I've got one at the moment and that's not really good enough for seven games.

"I do contribute to the team but at the end of the day, as a forward, I'm judged on my goals so I do need to start getting on the scoresheet.