GRICE NETS TREBLE AGAINST ALPORT

Tim Grice notched a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over the NWCFL side.

Neil Baker’s side returned to friendly action in Shropshire against a Whitchurch Alport side that had been strengthened during the summer with the addition of many ex Evo-Stik South players.

Leek were without several players but this gave a chance to some of the younger members of the squad to impress.

Initially the game was scrappy with neither side able to gain the advantage.

But, as time passed, Blues began to pass the ball more effectively and it was Tim Grice who broke the deadlock midway through the opening half, rising above former Leek defender Leon Ashman to flick the ball past stranded keeper Dave Parton.

Grice was on the scoresheet again ten minutes later when a loose ball in the box was again contested by him and Ashman with Grice getting the last touch with his head.

Early in the second half Grice completed his hat trick when he reacted to a ball on the edge of the box and curled his shot past Parton.

The remainder of the game was an opportunity for both managers to give all the players on the bench a run out, which they did.