Whitchurch Alport boss Luke Goddard is insisting it will come together for the Reds in front of goal as they crashed out of the FA Cup and remain winless in the North West Counties Premier Division.

Alport's hearts were broken at Walsall Wood as the West Midlands side's late winner ended the Reds' FA Cup journey on Saturday before Goddard's men were beaten, again on the road, at West Didsbury & Chorlton on Bank Holiday Monday.

But Goddard says he is nowhere near pressing the panic button despite Alport taking only two points from their first four league games and believes a return to Yockings Park will soothe their early-season troubles.

However, they face yet another crucial cup trip on Saturday as they make the trip to Abbey Hulton United in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase, a competition that Goddard will be looking for a successful run in.

“It was a weird feeling after Monday," he said.

"Of course it hurts as we simply aren’t used to losing football games here. However what we’ve asked of the lads, they are doing and it’s just a case of it clicking in the final third currently.

"That misfortune will turn as that’s sport – we just remain on our project and plan set for the year.

"As harsh as it's been, I think the start will be better for us long term as a club. We’ve got to deal with it not going our way and also this is where we’re at now.

"This league is full of good competitive sides, most who have proven themselves at this level.

"We are only just at the beginning of that so we are learning as we go.

"Seeing the supporters (at the the two away games) yet again and also the nice messages the group have given to volunteers today etc makes me satisfied that the culture is right following on from our first two seasons so we will remain on that path together.”

Alport face a tough September starting with Saturday's trip to Abbey Hulton United, though Monday's night clash with Squires Gate has been postponed with the Blackpool side in FA Cup replay action following a 4-4 draw on Saturday.

They then host fellow promoted side Silsden at Yockings Park the week later before making the trip to City of Liverpool the following Tuesday.

Goddard's men then make the trip to Burscough on September 15 as the season's heavy schedule begins to kick-in.

Meanwhile, Goddard admitted his side were left devastated by the late winner that saw them exit the FA Cup following a historic first win as Walsall Wood beat the Reds 2-1 in front of a 100-strong crowd.

He added: " The squad are obviously gutted in the dressing room; the effort and performance was good yet again but they haven’t gained a reward for that.

"It’s a mixture of a little misfortune and a lack of ruthlessness when we are on top to turn these games in our favour. However we remain upbeat, I see great things of this group developing and buying into what we have planned."