Alport 1 City of Liverpool 2
A strong City of Liverpool side proved too hot to handle in a midweek friendly at Yockings Park. The treble winners who are preparing for the season as a North West Counties Premier League side thrilled their 100 strong travelling support with a fine display to edge out Alport 2-1. The Purples have strengthened in key areas and were two goals to the good inside the opening quarter hour which suggested that the Reds were going to be in for a very tough evening. But Chris Jackson got Alport back into the match and despite more chances for the visitors, it turned out to be a decent contest which was far more evenly balanced following Jackson’s goal.
 
Carl Noone was on the end of a lovely cross to deftly flick the ball past Rob Cooke to give Col a 6th minute lead and the Reds had an escape when an attempted clearance by Elliot Ledwards came back off his own bar. Luke Walley saw a goal ruled out for offside and 60 seconds later Alex Meecham was afforded the freedom of the town to fire past Cooke off an upright. It looked like Alport were going to be in for a tough evening but they rallied and Jackson’s 20 yarder halve the deficit midway through the first half.
 
Dave Forbes headed against the bar in the second half as chances came and went at both ends with Dean Twigg really unlucky to be denied a certain leveller when his shot struck the outstretched leg of a defender to divert the ball inches wide. Carl Everall and brother Si both shot over with the player manager’s effort particularly close, and although Si did net for Alport, a flag went up (harshly) on the far side to deny Whitchurch a share of the spoils.