WHITCHURCH Alport manager Adam Shillcock announced the honeymoon was over after his side crashed to a 4-1 defeat at Studley in the Midlands Premier League on Saturday.
Romario Tyrese Martin struck twice and goals from John Mills and Kian Ryley ensured a poor start to 2024 for the Reds.
Shillcock said: “It was a disappointing result in which we were no where near the levels expected or what we achieved going unbeaten into Christmas.
“The bottom line is we were outplayed and out worked and out manoeuvred from start to finish.
“The honeymoon period is now over and it’s where the real hard work starts.”
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Shillcock has had a busy New Year with Joe Care departing the club having opted to take a break from the game due to work commitments with the Reds’ boss insisting the club would wait for his return.
The Reds have signed Cameron Dourish from local rivals Market Drayton Town while Alfonso Castellano has joined on a loan deal from Coventry Sphinx.
Meanwhile locally based youngster Andy Brookfield has also made the step up to the senior ranks.
“Cameron Dourish is a great addition and will bring grit, determination and quality which will bring more competition to our midfield and will also be available for our FA Vase game on Saturday,” said Shillcock. “We’ve also secured Alfonso Castellano on a short term deal which will give more options across defence and midfield while we recruit.
Alport are shorn of six players ahead of Saturday’s FA Vase clash at home to Great Wakering Rovers.
Shillcock said: “ I’m confident in the group and what they can bring. We have to think this way and utilise our squad and it’s an opportunity for someone to step up and stamp their claim .
“Great Wakering Rovers are in decent recent form. We need to use home advantage as they’ll be travelling five hours so we’ll need be rampant all over the pitch from minute one.
“The boys and I will use every ounce of energy our supporters can muster on the afternoon. It’s a huge fixture for the club and community and progression in the cup is the minimum expectation.
“I’ve said that success is only measured by winning things and we must have that fire to believe we can.”
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