A SETBACK at the weekend won’t put Whitchurch Alport off their stride as they go into Cup action again this Saturday. 

Premier Division Maine Road can count themselves extremely fortunate to be looking forward to another Macron Cup game, after a 10-man Alport side gave them the fright of their lives at Yockings.

 A fourth-minute red card shown to Stevie McNichol for what looked  a poor challenge left Whitchurch with an uphill task – but never at any stage did they look like a team playing with a man light. 

Co-manager Luke Goddard was proud of his side’s efforts: “I thought we deserved to go through,” he said. 

“They didn’t create too much and although the first goal was a well-worked one, the second was really sloppy and it was the only time in the whole game where our defending was off. 

“Elliot (Ledwards) and Louis (James) were both outstanding and if we don’t go down to 10 men, then we win the game – there’s no question in my mind. 

“He (McNichol) didn’t need to make that challenge and he’s let himself, the team and the supporters down. That’s a 3-0 or 4-0 result today but for that challenge. 

“Even with 10, I think if Matty’s shot in the first half had gone in instead of hitting the post we would have won the match. 

“They (Maine Road) have gone through so good luck to them in the next round, but we’ve given them a really tough afternoon.

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