Tarporley Victoria 1 Alport 9
 
Whitchurch breezed through to the semi-finals of the Ethelston Cup with a comprehensive victory over Cheshire League side Tarporley Vics at Yockings Park. Vics had contested a closely fought final against Malpas last season going down to a single goal defeat, but they were never in this contest from the moment the first whistle sounded. Alport were dominant in possession and the 9-1 scoreline didn’t flatter them in the slightest.
 
The Reds fielded a strong squad and their intent was obvious from the get go. In Matty Ashbrrok and Luke Walley, they had two players that tormented the Vics rearguard all night with their pace and trickery. Chance after chance was created and although Tarporley could lay claim to the goal of the game – a magnificent Sam Lloyd chip from 35 yards – that would have been scant consolation to a team that ended the match with nine men.
 
Walley helped himself to two goals in the opening quarter of an hour and a Simon Everall goal coupled with a fine Dean Twigg header on the stroke of half time gave Alport a 4-0 cushion at the halfway point.
 
Lloyd’s 47th minute goal drew respectful applause from the hundred or so spectators, but it hardly opened the game up with the result a formality since the early stages.
 
The Yockings side squandered a few chances but went 5-1 in front when a low shot across the goal from Everall was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Damien Woods.
 
With 10 minutes left and the score still at 5-1 you sensed that Alport were being a touch less ruthless with their opponents who barely got out of their own half due to the high press from the boys in Red.
 
Ashbrook neatly tucked away a pen after the ref spotted a foul but before the kick could be taken, the referee had dismissed both Nick Abson and Matt Burrows. In truth, they were probably glad of the rest.
 
The after burners were switched in in the closing stages of the match. Sub Ed Moss curled in a delicious free-kick before Everall and Walley – completing his hat-trick – both scored in added on time.
 
This was a decent run-out under the lights for Luke Goddard’s side, but really, it was very much a case of men against boys despite Tarporley’s best efforts.