North West Counties League Premier Division

Whitchurch Alport 0

West Didsbury and Chorlton 2

David Powell’s reign as West Didsbury and Chorlton manager got off to a perfect start with an accomplished win over Alport.

West cruised to a half-time lead through an excellent Jamie Coombes goal and an optimistic strike from Lee Gavin and soaked up Whitchurch pressure in the second half for their first league win since September.

Powell handed a debut to veteran striker Cieran Kilheeney, and the former Droylsden and Ashton United hitman had a pivotal role in both goals. The first goal of the new era arrived after just 12 minutes – Joe Shaw emerged from midfield with the ball before finding Kilheeney, who held play up on the edge of the box. Coombes latched on to Kilheeney’s pass, and the Gibraltar international expertly rolled the ball past Alport keeper David Parton to register his first goal in West colours.

After half an hour of play, West doubled their lead. Kilheeney’s effort from outside the area looked to be trundling out for a goal kick, but the unmarked Gavin was alert at the far post and tucked the ball into the net.

West goalkeeper Marcuss Burgess had little to do but had to be switched on to deny Alport with his legs as the first half drew to a conclusion, but West were good value for their commanding lead as the sides headed for the dressing rooms.

Alport spent much more of the second period in the West half, but the visitors were happy to invite pressure and look to kill the game on the counter-attack.

Alport’s top scorer Arron Johns had a series of shots blocked at source by the excellent Ryan Eiselt and Matt Eckersley, but it was West who looked more likely to add the game’s next goal.

The hosts couldn’t make their possession count and the game ended 2-0.

Alport will now lick their wounds and attempt to bounce back over what looks like a difficult set of fixtures over the festive period.