North West Counties League

Premier Division

Winsford United 1

Whitchurch Alport 0

Lowly Winsford United became the latest team to inflict misery on Alport as they fell to a third successive defeat.

Quality was in short supply on a poor pitch at the Barton Stadium. The game was settled by a single goal scored in the 58th minute by Sam Howell.

The match got off to a terrible start for Whitchurch when striker Alex Hughes was forced to limp out of the action after just five minutes. Physio Callum Carey spent a good while trying to get the number 10 to his feet but it was clear that the ankle injury would eventually lead to his substitution.

The first attempt on goal came from Matty Ashbrook, who was playing in an unaccustomed left-back berth, but it failed to trouble the United keeper.

Winsford had a few attempts of their own but they were aimed directly at Dave Parton who made comfortable saves from each of them.

Just before the half hour came a golden opportunity for the Reds but Leon Ashman’s header from a Lee Pickerill free kick went across goal only to elude anyone in a red shirt.

Arron Johns then saw a good chance saved by Matt Green and the teams went in level at the break.

It was clear from the restart that Winsford had upped their game and it came as no surprise when Howell was left in space to calmly stroke the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

From that moment on it was largely the away side that probed for an equaliser that never came.

Green made an outstanding save from a Jordan Cole free-kick and Nicky Porter and Johns both fired wide from very decent opportunities.

This was a day to forget for Luke Goddard’s men who huffed and puffed aplenty.

But this was the latest defeat for Alport who will look to bounce back against Irlam this Saturday at Yockings Park where another bumper crowd is expected.

The game starts at 3pm.