Whitchurch Alport 2 Congleton Town 1

WHITCHURCH Alport ensured a day which will long live in the collective memory of their fans as they booked their place in the last 16 of the FA Vase.

Nearly 500 supporters descended on Yockings Park to witness the biggest game in the club's history and their heroes began on the front foot with Alex Hughes clattering the woodwork with a fifth minute effort.

Hughes continued to set the tone and tested Ellison as Alport pressed for a breakthrough which eventually arrived on 35 minutes with Dan Skelton powering home a header from Hughes' corner.

Alport were in dreamland just before the break when another corner from Hughes led to Ellison spilling the ball into the path of Jack Griffiths who volleyed home from close range.

The Reds bid to put the match beyond doubt after the break and came close to settling the tie inside the opening five minutes when Jimmy Garlick carved room to square for Hughes who blasted against the bar from 20 yards.

Alport continued to press but could not add to their tally and the visitors were back in contention with 11 minutes remaining as Ethan Hartshorn came off the bench to make his mark.

Congleton laid siege for the remainder of the game but Alport dug deep to hold firm and ensure one of the most famous victories in their history.

Manager Luke Goddard said: "It was a ding dong game. At this stage of any cup competition ability is not the only thing which wins matches but things like managing emotions. We played really well for an hour and could have scored a few more. You can't deny we didn't deserve that today.

"It does not really matter who we get in the last 16, we know there are no easy games.

"It was great to get a big crowd down, not just for the atmosphere but obviously for financial reasons which helps the club going forward."