ALL roads lead to Coventry on Saturday as fans of Whitchurch Alport bid to turn a small part of the Midlands red.
Two coach loads of club supporters will depart the town to cheer on their heroes in the fifth round of the FA Vase at United Counties League Premier Division South Coventry Sphinx.
The match is the biggest in the club’s history with victory representing a place in the last eight of a competition that culminates with a trip to Wembley.
Alport have beaten Sleaford Town, Malvern Town, Atherstone Town and Congleton Town to reach the fifth round and set up a date with destiny at Sphinx Road.
The Reds go into the weekend on a high after climbing the Midland Premier League to seventh place after beating Stourport Swifts last weekend.
Goals from Kieran Lazenby and Jimmy Garlick ensured Alport took home the spoils despite having to endure a tense finale as the Swifts staged a late fightback.
Whitchurch Alport in action against Stourport Swifts. Picture by Joe Sheridan.
The Reds toiled on sticky surface and spurned several openings with Kieran Lazenby dragged wide inside the opening five minutes before atoning with a 15th minute strike after goalkeeper Dominic Richards fumbled Alex Hughes’ cross.
Alport were unable to add to their tally before the break but the pressure told early in the second-half with Hughes releasing Jimmy Garlick to chip Richards and ensure the Reds a cushion on the hour.
Garlick was joined by Sean Griffiths in spurning openings to settle the outcome and the Swifts were back in the game with 15 minutes remaining as Connor Gater reduced the arrears with goalkeeper Ellis Allen rooted.
Stourport laid siege to the Alport goal but the home side held on for the victory to ensure they maintained their impressive league form and went into this Saturday’s FA Vase clash in Coventry on a high.
Assistant manager Steve Mays said the battling display and three points was a just reward for the players.
Whitchurch Alport in action against Stourport Swifts. Picture by Joe Sheridan.
He said: “We ground out that result. Games like this are won on fitness and aggression and we did well during the game.”
Meanwhile both supporter coaches to the Vase game on Saturday are sold out.
A club spokesman said: “Thanks to all those who’ve booked and will be there to cheer the lads on as we hope to create further history.”
The bumper interest in the tie follows an appeal from manager Luke Goddard last month.
He said: “I must credit the Alport faithful that travel to almost every game. A regular 30-50 faces even midweek with the travelling we do in this league and it’s hugely appreciated by the players and staff.”
Meanwhile a north Shropshire derby at the Butler Sports Centre saw a visiting Prees United take the spoils following a thrilling 7-3 win at Wem Town last weekend.
Harry Astley, James Astley and Matthew Cohen struck for the home side but a poor display was punished by a ruthless Prees with Macauley Clifton starring with a four goal haul.
Further strikes from Joel Browne, Alex Cadman and Chris Owen ensured an emphatic win for Matty Owen’s side.
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