Whitchurch Alport returned to Yockings Park for the very first time since their play-off final victory back in May as they welcomed a Wigan Athletic X1 to Shropshire.  
 
The recently promoted Championship side sent down a new look U23 team that has been setup since thier return to the Championship in the summer. As expected it was the Lancashire side that looked to take control of possession on a surface that played superbly well given the recent weeks of hot weather. On the reverse Alport offered a threat with Bridge & Pickerill gaining some joy down the left hand side on numerous occassions. Dave Parton pulled off one save of note in a half that was highly competitive as Alport looked superbly organised to restrict the Wigan side to very few clear cut opportunities. HT 0-0
 
Into the second half and lots of changes throughout for both sides and in truth a similar pattern of play. Alport probably shouldve done better in the final third when breaking forward but just lacked the final edge to gain that first goal. Despite the mass changes the home side continued to frustrate with their organised shape, it wasnt until the last five minutes where Parton had to pull off a couple of outstanding saves as the defence began to lapse and the craft of an excellent Wigan Athletic side began to get some more joy. FT 0-0  
 
A terrific first home friendly for Alport as the squad continues to build ahead of the league campaign on August 4th. Many thanks to Wigan Athletic and all our wonderful supporters for supporting on the evening.