Whitchurch Alport manager Luke Goddard has admitted his side will more than likely end up in the North West Counties Division One play-offs, but isn't giving up hope of a late promotion surge.

The Reds bounced back with a narrow 1-0 home win over AFC Blackpool on Monday night after losing on Saturday to Holker Old Boys by the odd goal in seven.

But Goddard is realistic about Alport's chances of overhauling either Litherland REMYCA or long-time leaders Silsden and admits he will be drawing on the Yockings Park club's play-off heartache 12 months ago.

"We're realistic that we're probably going to be in the play-offs but we know at the same time, we know it only takes a similar sort of wobble to ours by REMYCA or Silsden and we'd be right at it," he said.

"But in reality, they've only lost four games all season so are they going to lose that many in the remaining nine games? It was important to get back to winning ways on Monday and a clean sheet again. To concede four on Saturday was a rarity and why we lost so it was good to get back to a clean sheet.

"Now, it's not about performances but grinding out results and clean sheets to build momentum going into the play-offs and the fixtures we've got where we're playing Saturday-Monday-Thursday.

"We've had injuries and the disappointment of people being away, so we've got the chance over the next few games to get people right and finish as we high as we can for a the play-off fixtures.

"We've dwindled into the play-offs and have to accept it and need to beat whoever in there. Last year, we fell into the play-offs; we surprised so many people by doing well and we led the league for a long while.

"But we started to drop points at the end and finished fifth, and it was tough to re-rally as we were in shock. We only lost 1-0 in the play-offs against the eventual winners but we were never really in top form.

"This year, with that experience and a stronger squad, we'd like to think whoever we play in that semi-final, we'll be ready for it. It's important to have had that experience."

Alport sit 12 points behind Silsden, who have dropped to second and a further point behind leaders REMYCA, but have up to two games in hand on both clubs.

Tonight, they travel to Atherton LR for a 7.45pm klick-off while Heys travel to New Mills on Thursday.