If ever there was a game that described the magic of the FA Cup this was it! With the scores level at nil apiece going into the last minute of regular time, substitute Ivan Urvantev cracked one home from the edge of the area and that seemed to have won the game for the Shropshire side. But their dreams were shattered when Basile Zottos equalised for United in the fifth minute of stoppage time. That was that then and a replay at Yockings Park was on the cards. But Alport’s wildest dreams came true when in the 97th minute and with the referee looking longingly at his watch up popped left back, Junior Brown, to crack home a miraculous winner with a shot into the net with his virtually unused right foot! Despair for the home supporters but joyous scenes amongst the 50 or so supporters from Whitchurch who couldn’t believe what they had just witnessed!

The early stages of the game saw Alport largely in the ascendancy with Kieran Evans having the first real chance although a mole popped out of the pitch to head the ball away just as Kieran was about to smash the ball past the keeper! But the hosts cracked a shot against the post to remind Luke Goddard’s side that they would have to work extremely hard to get through to the next round. Joe Hunter spurned another chance for the Reds just past the half hour blazing the ball well over after great hold-up play from Kieran. So, into the break scoreless and all to play for in the second half.

Alport were grateful to goalkeeper, Ash Rawlins, for two outstanding saves within five minutes approaching the latter stages of the game to keep the Reds alive and kicking. But in the latter, latter stages of the game (!) The drama really began. Football eh? You couldn’t write it except we just did. Unbelievable Jeff! Into the first-round qualifiers we go. Bring it on.