Whitchurch Alport assistant manager Steve May is delighted with the way their newly assembled squad is performing, albeit in friendly matches thus far.

A superb goalless draw with Crewe Alexandra in midweek plus a very creditable 4–2 win on Saturday at home to a Kidderminster Harriers XI that led 2–0 at one stage have helped form Alport's pre-season.

But the real stuff starts this weekend when Vauxhall Motors visit the KMJ Mortgages Stadium for a preliminary round FA Cup tie.

May said: "We believe we are in a good place given some of the results we’ve had going into the season. To draw with Crewe and lose very narrowly against both Chester and Telford shows just how well we are developing."

Alport have strengthened their squad into a pool of around 20 players so there is bound to be competition for places.

Alport’s recruitment policy has arguably been the best during Luke Goddard’s tenure and May waxed lyrical over two of Alport’s summer signings and expects both to make the kind of impact that will excite the club’s fans.

"Jordan Evans is a player that will cause plenty of problems for defenders and to get James Rowland on board is a superb capture. We really have high hopes for us this season and it’s just that number 9 we need to take some of the pressure off Alex Hughes even though he finished as the league’s top scorer last season with over 30 goals."

For sure these are exciting times for Whitchurch Alport with all areas of the side added to.

The FA Cup tie on Saturday will be a welcome diversion with the Midlands Premier League kicking off just seven days later when Alport will entertain Shifnal Town.

  • Whitchurch Alport v Vauxhall Motors kicks off at 3pm today (Saturday).