WHITCHURCH Alport manager Adam Shillcock has praised his players after keeping their Isuzu FA Vase dream alive with victory at Biggleswade United on Saturday.

Yao Christophe Aziamale struck twice while Adam Hailes saw red as the Midlands Premier League side hit back to take their game to penalties where the Reds prevailed 4-3 victors.

Shillcock said: “I have nothing but praise for how my lads performed on the afternoon. I am proud of how each and everyone of them battled each wave of adversity.”

“The weather played a huge part in proceedings but this time it was the wind that was providing the challenge and if you were to ask me what would you rather not play in it would be in windy conditions.”

Whitchurch Herald: Action from Whitchurch Alport's FA Vase win at Biggleswade United.Action from Whitchurch Alport's FA Vase win at Biggleswade United. Picture by Patricia González Muñiz.

Shillcock insisted the dismissal of Hailes was harsh but was thankful the conditions were in his side’s favour after the break.

“We dominated proceedings, going ahead 2-1 and should of made it 3-1 but it wasn’t to be and in the final minutes Jack Sheward gave a penalty away which again looked harsh,” added Shillcock.

“We had the stuffing knocked out of us and that was no more personified by two early penalty misses from us where Biggleswade had converted all three. 

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“I thought that was us done - I didn’t see us coming back from being that far behind. I genuinely thought it had got away from us. I never envisaged them missing their next three with two outstanding saves from Jack. 

“It was the stuff of dreams and I’m absolutely delighted for the lads in how they held their nerve to progress to the next round.”

“It sets us up nicely to play the next round at home against Fakenham Town or Great Wavering on January 13th.

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“I need the town to get right behind us - the dream of Wembley has to be the flame we constantly keep burning and I want it so much for this community.”

Ellesmere Rangers celebrated a welcome point in a 2-2 draw at Ludlow in the Salop Leisure Shropshire Premier League to boost their survival prospects.

Vince Green and Kristian Bate goals earned the Swans a point while Ryan Clarke and Kieran Dovey netted for the hosts.

Whitchurch Alport 1946 claimed a 3-2 derby win at Wem Town with Chris Owen, Jamie Parry and Alex Cadman netting for the Reds while Connor Davies and Addison Murray replied.

Meanwhile Francesca Scott’s two goals and strikes from Rose-Anna Cooper and Bethany Cooke earned Whitchurch Alport a 4-0 win at Staffordshire Victoria in the Staffordshire Women’s Premier League.