THE FIRST throes of winter dented Whitchurch Alport’s preparations for last night’s long-awaited league match against City of Liverpool at Yockings Park. 

Saturday’s scheduled league game at Bacup Borough was called off, with the delightfully-named Brian Boys West View Stadium pitch under water. 

The early postponement meant that Reds chief Luke Goddard and his partner Carl Everall were able to arrange a training session – not just to get ready for the Liverpool game, but to get the team’s focus right after a disappointing Ethelston Cup performance in midweek. 

Rivals Malpas had the game won in 45 minutes with four first-half goals sending them into a semi-final clash with Prees, at Alport’s expense. 

Goddard wasn’t best pleased with his side’s display in a derby game that had a decent prize as the reward for the winners.

“We made seven changes and that’s a fact but it still doesn’t take away anything from Malpas, because they played very well,” he said. 

“They brought out players who maybe haven’t been seen week in, week out, and that’s why they are struggling near the bottom of the league. So even with our full-strength side out, it would still have been a very difficult fixture. 

“I don’t want the result to overshadow our season because we’re on a journey, as I’ve said many times before, and that means there will be highs and lows."

However, Alport were pipped in their return to league action on Tuesday night, as City of Liverpool FC came from behind to win at Yockings.

Simon Everall gave Alport the lead, but the Liverpool side bounced back to score twice in the last 20 minutes to win.

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