TWO Matt Ashbrook wonder goals on Monday night helped Whitchurch secure a third successive win on an artificial surface – and took them to the top of the North West Counties Division One table. 

They followed up wins at Oswestry and Stockport with another one at Widnes.

And another goal from skipper Si Everall – his eighth of the campaign – saw Alport run out 3-1 winners at the Select Security Stadium.

Backed by a noisy following, the Reds roared out of the traps against a Widnes side who hadn’t played at the weekend.

 Ashbrook smashed the away side into a fourth-minute lead with a run at the full back and a rising drive which bounced over the line via the underside of the bar. 

Alex Hughes brought a breathtaking save out of Kristofer Leigh with a 35- yard free-kick which was heading for the top corner and Ashbrook saw a header drop just wide 60 seconds later. 

Rob Cooke – making his debut in the Alport goal – made some really good saves to preserve the Reds lead but was helpless when Kev Towey levelled early in the second half. 

Widnes then enjoyed their best spell, but when Nick Marley put over an inviting cross, there was Everall to loop a header back across goal after 65 minutes to restore Alport’s lead. 

Three minutes later, Ashbrook weaved across the dead ball line before poking home from a tight angle. 

It may have gone into the goal off a Widnes defender but the finish was Messi-esque and was worthy of winning any football match. The win took Alport to 18 points – two more than the combined total in 2015-16.

However, a win for City of Liverpool FC on Tuesday mean Alport dropped to second spot.

*For a full Alport round-up, see this week's Whitchurch Herald.