Luke Goddard has issued a call to arms plea to all Whitchurch Alport supporters ahead of this weekend’s crucial FA Vase clash against Malvern Town at the KMJ Mortgages Stadium.

The tie is in the second round of the competition which is as far as the club has reached since they first entered it four years ago.

Goddard is concerned about the slump in attendances compared to those pre-pandemic.

“We were averaging almost 250 for home games and we’ve seen them almost halved since Covid,” said the Reds’ chief.

“We were concerned that the gates would drop but not by as many as they have and it’s a shame because the lads have been playing some really good stuff.

“I am hoping that many of them will come out on Saturday because it’s a winnable tie and it’s a competition we want to go as far as we can.”

Alport’s nine match unbeaten run ended with a 4-0 defeat at Midlands Premier League high-flyers Worcester City last weekend.

Goddard said: “It was never a four nil game and it looks like we’ve taken a battering. At half-time we went in goalless and we said that there was only going to be one goal in the game because it was so tight.

“We stressed the importance of making sure we scored first but they got it and scored shortly after which knocked the stuffing out of us really.

“It’s hard to be too harsh after two long away trips within the space of a few days.”

Elsewhere Wem Town were in Salop Leisure Premier League action.

Goals from William Rogers and Ryan Mansel earned Shrewsbury Juniors a 2-0 win at Butler Sports Centre.

Meanwhile Prees United were left kicking their heels for the second week in a row after Hodnet cancelled their scheduled fixture due to a player shortage.