WHITCHURCH ALPORT 2 HANLEY TOWN 2
 
Alport’s hopes of landing a third successive league win were thwarted by mid table Hanley Town on Saturday. Alport started the game really badly and were a goal behind in the opening minutes when Neville Thomson blasted home from a half-cleared corner. But Tom Hill’s first goal in Alport colours levelled matters on the half hour. Lee Pickerill’s corner routine looked a poor one but Hill stooped to guide a near post header past the startled Hanley keeper. Six minutes later and the game turned on its head when a flowing team move ended with Arron Johns calmly slotting beyond Thomas Scott. The half time whistle came too early for the Reds with Hanley on the ropes and struggling to contain Alport’s industrial approach. Luke Goddard’s men knew that a third goal would put an end to the visitors resistance, but it was Town who gained the upper hand after the break and it came as no surprise when they equalised with 13 minutes left. It came as no surprise to any of the 272 spectators inside Yockings Park when Oliver Mellor pounced at the back post.
 
It was probably one of Alport’s most disappointing displays at home this season. Hanley were there for the taking but Whitchurch failed to build on their first half supremacy. They created hardly anything in the second half where they had to defend deep although Dave Parton was hardly overworked at the other end either.