North West Counties League
Macron Cup Round One
Whitchurch Alport 1
Prestwich Heys 1
(Prestwich won 5-3 on penalties)
Whitchurch Alport’s hopes of progression in the Macron Cup were halted at the first hurdle when First Division North side Prestwich Heys won in a thrilling finale.
The match had ended 1-1 and when the game went to penalties the away side netted all five from the spot.
Matty Ashbrook had missed Alport’s first attempt from 12 yards which ultimately cost the Reds and it was a glorious opportunity to advance into the second round spurned.
Alport had started the afternoon well enough when Arron Johns executed a perfect lob over the Prestwich keeper from out on the right after just four minutes.
After that though, Alport laboured in the sunshine although Johns had a superb chance to double Alports lead, but somehow contrived to gently touch the ball into the gloves of the goalkeeper from close range.
In the second half Prestwich continued to probe at a Whitchurch side that for long periods sat deep and attempted to play on the counter.
That lead to chances late on for Alex Hughes, Ashbrook and for Callum O’Connor who had the best chance of the lot with a free header at the back post.
The youngster only had to direct his attempt on target and there wouldn’t have been a need for any drama beyond 90 minutes.
Trouble was, by then Heys had levelled the tie when Chris Baguley arrowed a shot beyond the dive of Dave Parton.
Alport had only themselves to blame as once again they weren’t ruthless enough when chances came their way.
All credit to Prestwich who have become something of a bogey team over the Reds at Yockings Park, recording their third successive victory in SY13.
Reds boss Luke Goddard will be looking for an immediate bounce back from his side, who had been in fine form before their penalty defeat on Saturday.
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