Whitchurch Alport FC

[crosscountrymark]

City go into the game with Whitchurch Alport with the news that the impressive centre back Fortune Maphosa has left the club to join AFC Telford in the National North League on a dual registration . Maphosa joined City from Racing Club Warwick in September and has been a great addition to the side and scored two goals, you cannot blame him wanting to play at three levels higher. Good news is that Bailey Fuller has signed a contract till the end of the season. The Whitchurch game will be a tough one for City with the visitors standing 6th in the table five points behind City with a game in hand, the visitors have scored 27 goals two more than City , but have conceded 25 ten more than City. Hopefully Aaron Roberts will drop back in to replace Maphosa to partner Sam Hall the rest of the side will be the same as the Bewdley game , with Jamie Smith or Chris Sterling the only possible change. With City still missing Dan Westwood, Arron Birch and Craig Jones, any updates on injuries or non availability on these players would be welcome news ? . It would be great to see another big crowd at Claines Lane to cheer the City to another home victory, the FA Cup giant killing victory over Coventry City will be screened in the bar at 2pm in the bar.

[B*ue dragonstander]

It has taken almost 13 years but I returned to the New Lane today to see City overcome a spirited Whitchurch. The visitors came to improve their impressive away record and started well but City resolutely kept them at arms length with some determined defending. The Blues couldn't make anything happen at the other end in the first 20 minutes and the attempted long balls over the top of the defence bounced harmlessly down the slope. The game turned about midway through the first half with City coming into it more and more and creating scoring opportunities which were spurned though none were gilt-edged.

Kicking towards the impressive HQ building in the second half City battled on and produced four goals of high quality with Fuller remaining calm and collected to bag a brace in what turned out to be a stonking win in the end. All four City goals came from impressive combinations upfront with great passing unstoppable running and composed finishing for all four.

Determined in defence, grafting in midfield and simply too good for the opposition up front this was a most impressive display to welcome me back.

It is clear that Tim Harris has started to work some magic here with the side looking organised and disciplined. That was even more impressive in the face a few nasty challenges as Whitchurch became a little frustrated in the second half. I don't think they managed a shot on target all game which is great credit to the City defenders. Another good crowd of maybe 550 (?). All in all a thoroughly good day.

Good to chat again with the wonderful Steve Goode before the match. Give the man his medal now!

[City4Eva]

Agreed, another great win and 4 cracking goals

Difference lately is staying compact and not conceding early on when other teams have energy and then push on when they get tired 30 mins onwards. Some of the moves leading up to goals were outstanding

[simples]

Agree with comments above. Missing both Maphosa (moved on) and Roberts (suspended) the defence battled hard throughout. I thought the visitors shaded it first half but despite their possession I couldn't recall the City keeper being unduly stretched. In fact his only moment of concern was when he tweaked his leg following a clearance. Indeed it was City who came closest on a couple of occasions, one resulting in a shot smacking against the post and the other an excellent fast break following a corner to Alport.

The second half was a totally different story capped with some cracking goals. City attacked with pace and kept their composure in the penalty area where 4 sublime finishes clinically disposed of the visitors. As the game wore on it was a case of keeping their discipline as the visitors grew increasingly frustrated. The young City team have reignited this fan's enthusiasm with their effort and skill. They have been a joy to watch.

[Noboddy aka Lord Ealing]

It’s good to read optimistic posts after such a long time, and particularly splendid to see B*ue dragonstander back!

[u2lemonman]

City looking a good side now.What's more impressive is the players coming in and stepping up.Some great attacking football and players not looking selfish in front on goal.A all round 9/10 performance. Long may it continue.

[Tim Munslow]

With the pandemic, truncated seasons and my wife's condition I reckon it's been two years since I last managed to get to a game: I was amazed how much has been done to the ground in that time, with our posh new clubhouse and bar. All it needs now is a nice stand down one side and it'll feel like home.

I was also impressed by what I saw on the pitch: the first 20 minutes I thought we were going to struggle with this one, but I needn't have worried, we saw it out, began to settle and basically outplayed them second half. Young, fit, purposeful, splendid football - what's not to like. My youngest grandson came, with some hesitance, but now has a new hero - Bailey Fuller. Only cloud on the horizon is the form of the top two - Hanley Town and Lichfield City: they keep on winning too.

Another couple of players to impress were Billy Shaw and Sam Hall, the latter being like a rock at the back. But they all put in a shift, and the fact we could do this with some of the bigger names missing gives me some confidence in the future. If I can find a regular "sitter" to be with my wife you'll see me more often. C'mon City!