Whitchurch Alport 1 – 0 Northwich Victoria
At the seventh attempt Whitchurch Alport recorded their first ever victory in the North West Counties League Premier Division thanks to a first half header from Nicky Porter as they defeated Northwich Victoria at Yockings Park.
It’s a result that has been building for the Reds and another step forward on this incredible journey they’ve been on over the past few seasons. Typically this game was a tight encounter against a Vics side tipped for promotion at the start of the season. They arrived in North Shropshire one of the form teams in the league and for good periods of this game proved why those expectations are spoke of.
However it was the hosts that struck early on in the 17th minute, Lee Pickerills initial corner was palmed out by Tom Stewart in the Vics goal. The next delivery was sent in with pace to the front post, Porter escaped his marker and glanced a wonderful header past Stewart to give Alport a deserved early lead. It was the visitors who took control of possession though despite the one goal advantage for the hosts. Goalkeeper Dave Parton was alert on numerous occasions to block efforts inside his 18 yard box as Vics committed full backs forward looking dangerous with their movement. At the other end Clayton McDonald should’ve done better with a couple of good chances and a Tim Sanders cross evaded everyone as Alport looked to pinch a second goal. HT 1-0
With the pressure very much on the visitors it was again Vics on the front foot with Alport guilty at times of sitting too deep inviting pressure. The outstanding debutant Tom Hill was a constant threat for the Reds all afternoon but the home side failed to give him the service consistently to put the game to bed. This led to a very nervy finish with plenty of balls pumped forward and crosses put into the Alport 18 yard box. Heroically though every single Alport player stood upto the task to grind away and frustrate the visitors. With ten minutes remaining Hill could’ve all but sealed the match as he broke forward beating his defender for pace, his effort was saved though by Stewart as Alport then looked to defend for the final few minutes. That they did and after five minutes of added time, the final whistle was blown to confirm Whitchurch Alport`s first 3 points of the season. Not an emphatic performance but one very much full of passion and spirit which ultimately gained them their just rewards. FT 1-0