Shropshire Star

Bumper crowd heartbroken as Wembley dream ends for Whitchurch Alport - GALLERY

Hearts have been broken in Whitchurch after the town's football team just failed to reach the semi-finals of a national competition.

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Whitchurch Alport would have been just 90 minutes from Wembley in the FA Vase had they beaten Newport Pagnell Town in the quarter final on Saturday - and it looked on the cards when they took an early lead through Sean Griffiths.

But they were left disappointed when the Buckinghamshire side equalised from the penalty spot and then scored what proved to be the winner in the 59th minute.

Around 1,300 fans turned out to watch Whitchurch Alport against Newport Pagnell
Around 1,300 fans turned out to watch Whitchurch Alport against Newport Pagnell
Around 1,300 fans turned out to watch Whitchurch Alport against Newport Pagnell

Around 1,300 fans packed into the club's Yockings Park for the game, many with their faces painted or sporting new hats and scarves in the club's colours.

Whitchurch Alport chairman Jim Goddard said: "It was obviously a disappointing result, possibly we took the lead too early but probably overall they were the better side.

Around 1,300 fans turned out to watch Whitchurch Alport against Newport Pagnell
Around 1,300 fans turned out to watch Whitchurch Alport against Newport Pagnell
Around 1,300 fans turned out to watch Whitchurch Alport against Newport Pagnell
Whitchurch mayor John Sinnott with Newport Pagnell mayoress and mayor Sarah and Paul Day

"I am proud of the lads for having got to the quarter finals which is an achievement for a club our size. We just have to go again in the league now because we have a lot of big games coming up in the run in to the end of the season.

"The town came out to support us and It was great to see around 1,300 packed into the ground. The atmosphere was very good and it is great to see people supporting non-league football."

"I know there were some neutrals and people who hadn't been here before so we will just have to hope they come back.

Around 1,300 fans turned out to watch Whitchurch Alport against Newport Pagnell
Around 1,300 fans turned out to watch Whitchurch Alport against Newport Pagnell
Sean Griffiths gave Whitchurch Alport an early lead but Newport Pagnell came back to win 2-1
Consolation for Alport player Jack Griffiths
The Newport Pagnell fans celebrate the win
Disappointment for Whitchurch fans at full time
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