A clinical West Didsbury & Chorlton side punished Luke Goddard’s Whitchurch Alport to leave them searching for that first 3 points in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division.
 
It was a similar story for the Reds as they failed to take advantage of chances created and were duly punished themselves at the other end including a 30 yard screamer from the Manchester outfit.
 
Alport started strongly with an attacking formation as they attempted to take the game to West Didsbury. Dan Skelton could only poke an effort wide in the early stages and Alex Hughes nearly made the most of a poor back pass from the home defence. West Didsbury looked to use their pace and energy on the return with the crossbar preventing them taking the lead after a thundering strike from Ash Leather. The game came a little scrappy midway through as both teams settled down. An ultra competitive encounter saw its first goal on 40 minutes. A fine passing move starting with Dave Parton in goal found Arron Johns who did well to fire a low cross to the back post where Alex Hughes tapped in to give Alport the lead. It didn’t last long though, with the last action of the half West Didsbury were given a free kick on the edge of the box. Joe Shaw finished extremely well into the bottom corner beyond Parton. HT 1-1
 
The goal right on half time didn’t deter the Reds however as they stared the second half with a good tempo to take the game back to the hosts. In the opening fifteen minutes the chances started to fall but it just wouldn’t click with the final pass or shot as the pressure couldn’t be rewarded with a goal. Then came the first sucker punch as Leather picked up the ball 30 yards from the goal in a central area and unleashed a powerful effort that gave Parton no chance as it hit the top corner. 
 
It was still then Alport who pressed with West content with their lead and the threat they carried on the counter attack with the visitors pushing forward. A great one-two with Hughes and Sanders was the next opportunity wasted as the latter smashed over from 8 yards. Then it was Dean Twigg who missed the next when a cross from skipper Si Everall found Twigg unmarked 6 yards out but his header failed to even work the target. It was a gallant effort by the Reds as they plugged away despite not being able to make the most of the chances. With 7 minutes remaining West punished Alport on the break through Leather again as his run wasn’t stopped and he found a way to finish smartly past the on rushing Parton. A harsh lesson for Alport in what was very much an even game with the hosts clinical to earn their first three points of the season. FT 3-1
 
Manager Luke Goddard thoughts “A weird feeling after today, of course it hurts as we simply aren’t use to losing football games here. However what we’ve asked of the lads they are doing and it’s just a case of it clicking in the final third currently. That mis fortune will turn as that’s sport we just remain on our project and plan set for the year. Harshly I think the start will be better for us long term as a club, we’ve got to deal with it not going our way and also this is where we’re at now and this league is full of good competitive sides, most who have proven themselves at this level. We are on just the beginning of that so are learning as we go. Seeing the supporters yet again and also the nice messages the group have given to volunteers today etc makes me satisfied that the culture is right following on from our first two seasons so we will remain on that path together”