With the rest of the North West Counties League Division One programme washed out, Whitchurch Alport’s Yockings Park pitch survived a 10.30 pitch inspection to allow their Boxing Day clash with high-flyers Hanley Town to go ahead. 

A joint highest crowd of the season, 118, watched on as Alport slumped to a 3-0 defeat.  In fairness, Hanley are flying and have every chance of winning the title.  Their fifth successive league win is in stark contrast to the form of Whitchurch, who succumbed for a fifth consecutive time.  Alport’s goal difference has taken a real clobbering during the barren run, with the side having scored just one goal but conceded 17.  Add to that the fact the team is often depleted in numbers – often exacerbated by ill-discipline on the pitch – and it’s clear the club are finding it extremely hard going.  Stef Holliday’s sending-off on Saturday left the side a man light against formidable opponents for almost 70 minutes.  *For the full story, see this week's Whitchurch Herald.