Alport (2) 3 Florence (1) 1
 
Alport`s final pre season friendly pitched them against Staffordshire County Premier League side Florence FC in their annual fixture against the Staffs outfit. With a number of key players away it was a final opportunity for the management team to look at the squad ahead of next week’s opening league game against Daisy Hill.
 
The match started with a good tempo from both sides as Alport looked to dominate possession but found a determined Florence side who were well organised and patient waiting for their opportunity to pinch the ball back to cause problems themselves. It was the home side who should’ve took the lead after fifteen minutes via latest signing Alex Hughes. A set piece on the touchline just outside the 18yd box was taken short by McNichol who rolled a clever pass to Hughes who made a darting run to the front post; sadly the connection was too good for Hughes as the ball sailed over the crossbar! Shortly after captain Si Everall rounded the keeper ready to tap into an open net but tremendous work from the Florence defender kept the game at 0-0 as he cleared off the line with a sliding challenge. It was the patience of the away side that then paid off as they pinched the ball in midfield as Alport attempted to play out, the ball fell to Adam Cooper who struck the ball over Walentowicz with his left foot to give Florence a one-nil lead. As shown previously this year’s Alport squad show no fear in conceding the first goal and were soon back level via Si Everall. Fullback Ward pressed high up the field blocking the goalkeepers clearance that rebounded towards goal, Everall reacted quickest to tap home into the empty net. It was then twin brother and joint manager Carl Everall`s turn to chip in with a goal to give the home side the lead. Good work from Hughes on the left, led to a chipped cross that Everall met sweetly on the volley that rifled into the bottom corner. HT 2-1
 
With a couple of injuries picked up in the first half including captain Everall, the management team adjusted the side for the second period and this led to a scrappy opening twenty minutes. It was Alport who dominated possession and created opportunities but both sides were guilty in a final lack of quality that kept the score at 2-1. The lively Hughes burst through 1v1 but could only hit the goal bound shot straight at the on rushing goalkeeper. Thomas, Marley and Ward then went close with opportunities before Alport finally got the third goal in the 80th minute. An initial free kick from Hughes was blocked by a defender who was judged to have used his hand inside the penalty area. Hughes made no mistake from the penalty spot and found the bottom right hand corner to finish the game off and open his account in an Alport shirt. FT 3-1
 
A good final workout for the Yockings Park outfit, Florence battled away and made the young Alport squad work hard for their victory. With up to six players back this week from holiday ahead of next week’s season opener, it will be an important last week of training for managers Goddard and Everall as they look to plot their starting eleven for next week. It’s been a positive pre season for the whole Club and the Town should be excited for the big kick off next weekend!
 
Alport: Walentowicz, Ward, Marley, Tinsley A, Johnson, Everall C, McNichol, Thomas, Everall S (capt), Hughes, Twigg
 
Subs: Maclennan, Minshall, Hartley, Goddard, Prince, Rimmer