Ethelston Cup

Whitchurch Alport 4

Prees 0

Whitchurch Alport have secured a place in the final of the Ethelston Cup for the second season running after a routine win over Prees.

Goals from Challis Johnson, Leon Ashman, Josh Dunne and an own goal made sure the Reds have an opportunity to defend the trophy they won back in October.

Prees provided plucky opposition, happy to defend in numbers and try to catch Whitchurch on the break and it wasn’t until the closing stages that Alport really stamped their authority on the game and their experience told in the end.

The Yockings Park men scored early on when Alex Hughes was unlucky to see his shot bounced off the post but from the rebound Johnson scored the easiest goal he’s ever likely to score.

For the remainder of the first half, the village side kept their shape and their discipline to frustrate Alport time and again.

As an attacking threat they were fairly non-existent and in goal they could rely on the ever-dependable Will Hopkins who was a former custodian for the Reds.

But Hopkins had no chance on 75 minutes when Ashman powered home a header to double the lead.

Ben Chilcott and Luke Walley came on from the bench and wreaked havoc creating chance after chance. Dunne and an own goal in the final few minutes made it four and Alport will now have an eye on the other semi-final between Ellesmere Rangers and St Martins.