Whitchurch Alport go into this weekend's home fixture against Litherland REMYCA looking to stretch their unbeaten league run to nine games.

A dramatic finale to Saturday's game at Yockings Park saw the Reds claim all three points after coming from behind to see off Charnock Richard with two goals in the last 12 minutes.

It was manager Luke Goddard's 100th game in charge of the club, recording his 62nd win to prove the difference he has made both on and off the field, but the Alport boss refused to take all the credit.

"On the field we are probably a year or so in front of where I thought we might be," he said. "We had a goal in mind for the first three years and at the end of that period we wanted the club to be in the Premier Division.

"Obviously we managed to do that within the first two years but off the pitch no one could have imagined just how much we would have progressed. That's down to a few significant people who don't crave the recognition their hard work deserves.

"In particular, there are two people here who share the same vision and in Johnny Allman and Ryan Jardine we have two guys who almost live and breathe this club.

"Without people like them it would have been impossible to turn Whitchurch Alport around in such a short timeframe. On top of that we have seen many changes to the committee and have attracted some brilliant volunteers.

"On a match day everybody goes to their stations and carries out their duties with the minimum of fuss. They are the best around and we are lucky to have them.

"I always saw the potential in this fine football club and I spoke about creating a brand when I first arrived. That brand is now very much alive and it was never more evident than on Saturday on a bitterly cold day when you could see everyone wearing Alport branded clothing."

Goddard was pleased that his side brushed aside the disappointment of last week's Macron Cup exit.

He added: "I didn't feel that the lads were too downhearted after losing on penalties against Prestwich. But it was important to us as a group that we bounced back quickly and tried to maintain this fine run that we are on in the league.

"It's now six wins and two draws from the last eight in what is a hugely competitive division.

"I don't think there's a great deal between any of the sides if I'm being honest and no one will fancy playing us either at home or away. Only Silsden have taken anything away from Yockings and we always wanted to make our home ground into a fortress."

The Reds boss could well miss this weekend's fixture as he is taking his UEFA B coaching licence in Telford on a three-day course but thinks Alport will be fine.

He added: "We have more than able deputies in my assistants so the team will be in good hands in my absence."

n Saturday's match sponsored by Green End Pharmacy and kicks off at 3pm.