Alsager Town 3 (Leblanc-akpo, Leather, Brown)
Winsford United 1 (Pope)
The Bullets were today looking to build on last season when they finished 12th in the NWCFL First Division South and reached the Macron Challenge Cup semi-final.
They travelled to the Barton Stadium to face Winsford United, led by former Alsager co-managers Dean Jones and Dom Johnson.
It was the worst possible start for Alsager, as Winsford opened the scoring early on through ex-Bullet Ollie Pope. The ball was deflected and looped over goalkeeper Arran Lyons. Alsager appealed that the ball came off the referee in the build-up, but the goal stood.
Alsager right winger, Ash Leather, had a chance to equalise moments, but his grounded shot failed to beat Winsford goalkeeper Jacob Kirwan.
Jeanny Leblanc-akpo missed a chance from a Howells free kick, but scored the leveller from the penalty spot after a Winsford defender handled the ball inside the 18-yard box.
Leather scored Alsager’s second goal, firing a cross into the box, which missed everyone and found the bottom corner of the net.
The Bullets thought they should have had a second penalty when Leblanc-akpo claimed to be fouled in the box, but there referee thought the challenge was acceptable.
Half time: Winsford United 1-2 Alsager Town
The Blues looked to get themselves back into the game in the second half, but were continually denied by Lyons, who had an impressive game between the sticks.
They fell even further behind, when Dominic Murphy directed a drilled cross to Junior Brown, who finished to make it 3-1.
Things nearly went from bad to worse for Winsford, who were fortunate not to be down to 10 men, when Kirwan was shown a yellow card for fouling Leather outside his box.
On the sidelines, Alsager co-manager, Lee Duckworth, remained an animated figure throughout the match, with Winsford supporters remarking he was usually more laid back during his time in charge of the Blues. His managerial partner, Luke Goddard, looked more relaxed, but shouted instructions to his players when necessary.
The Bullets should have scored at the end, but Kirwan made the save and the referee blew the full time whistle.
Former Winsford man, Ash Leather, was named man of the match, on what was an outstanding competitive debut for Alsager’s new number seven.
Full time: Winsford United 1-3 Alsager Town
Alsager Town are in action on Tuesday night against New Mills in their first home match of the season. Kick off is at 7:45pm as the Bullets look to make it two wins from two in the league.
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