Whitchurch Alport started life in the North West Counties Premier League with a hard earned draw against Ashton Athletic at Yockings Park. A game very much of two halves with the visitors enjoying a good start on a warm afternoon in Shropshire before Alport applied strong pressure in the second half to gain a deserved point through a solitary Alex Hughes strike.
 
The Yellows finished 12th in the Premier Division last term and started brightly looking to get the ball wide into their wing backs with delivery into the box to their danger man Marcus Cusani. After 20 minutes Sean Griffiths and Darren Campion collided when attempting to pinch possession, Athletic made the most of the space given as the ball was crossed in from the right and Cusani finished superbly well with a flick into the goal beyond Dave Parton. Shortly after it could’ve been two nil when a defensive mix up left Nicholson in front of goal with a simple finish but somehow his effort missed the target.
 
At the other end Alport did threaten but the final quality was lacking as the fluency of attacks broke down when half chances were created. The best opportunity of the half came for the Reds when Nick Marley linked superbly well with skipper Simon Everall but he lashed the ball over from 12 yards. HT 0-1
 
Shortly after the break Matty Ashbrook and Nick Porter were introduced with Alport now looking more of the side we have seen pre season as they pushed to get back into the game. Joe Howell setup Everall mid way through the half but his strike across goal was well saved by Pearson in the Yellows goal. Next Hughes should’ve done better with a good chance inside the box as the ball rebounded around before Athletic cleared the danger. The continued efforts were finally rewarded in the 80th minute. Hughes jinked past his defender before smashing an effort beyond Pearson from 8 yards to send the Red Army into celebration! The final ten minutes of the match was very open for both sides as the game became stretched with opportunities at either end. However the defenders came out on top as the opening game finished one a piece and based on the overall game a fair result for both sides. FT 1-1
 
Manager Luke Goddard`s reactions “Clearly disappointed not to gain all 3 points in our opening game on a historic day but in reflection we`re satisfied given the circumstances and I think this result will stand us in good stead to what we are going to face this season. Credit Ashton they carried a number of threats and will take points off a lot of sides this year just like they have done consistently in this division over the past few seasons. I thought our lads built through the game and although we know we`ve got to improve in terms of converting chances it’s encouraging to see us deal with adversity to still gain a point and be strong at the finish. We have alot of new faces but its gelling well and over the coming weeks and months we are just going to get stronger so we shall continue to embrace this next challenge, importantly doing it the Alport way. A huge thank you to those who attended on what was another great afternoon at Yockings Park, next week we attempt to win our first ever FA Cup match as we travel to Coventry Spinx”