ALVIN McDonald stressed his players had nothing to reproach themselves for after being knocked out of the FA Trophy.

His patched-up Runcorn were eliminated in the first round by the Nationwide North leaders, but the only thing which disappointed the manager was the result.

The visitors had players turning out when injured and only one fit substitute.

'All I can take from Saturday is the pride I had in seeing the lads give everything for Runcorn FC Halton,' said McDonald.

'With a bit more luck and better finishing, they would have got something for their efforts.'

For the second time this season, the Linnets held Alfreton scoreless in the first half.

But unlike the previous meeting when the roof fell in and Runcorn lost 4-0, they made the Derbyshire side fight every inch of the way.

'I don't like losing any football match - even friendlies,' added McDonald. 'The FA Trophy is a winnable competition and it is disappointing to go out.'

Peter Ellis and Carl Rendell also played through the pain barrier.

It could have been so different had Runcorn made better use of their opportunities, particularly in the first half.

Matty McGinn headed over from a Kieron Durkan cross, perhaps having too much time, while Ged Courtney was foiled by the legs of keeper Lee Butler.

Decisions also went against the Linnets as early as the first 10 minutes.

Garrity, having been caught from behind by a challenge in the penalty box, did his best to stay on his feet.

But the ball rolled 'dead' and the referee gave a goal kick when he could have pointed to the spot.

McMillan saved Chris Bettney's 20-yarder and had to be alert to snuff out MoM John Knapper.

Alfreton took the lead within five minutes of the restart from an avoidable goal, Peter Duffield pouncing at the far post after a set-piece move from a long throw-in.

Durkan then hit high and wide after being set up by Rendell. But Bettney clipped the bar for Alfreton from a free-kick awarded on the edge of the box, before Goddard's 25-yard screamer confirmed Alfreton's passage.

RUNCORN: McMillan, Ellis, McGinn, Moore, Robertson, Ness, Garrity (Rendell 70), Parle, Young, Durkan, Courtney. Subs: Nolan, Carragher, Molyneux, Wright. Attendance: 386.