It has been a truly turbulent season of the pitch for Atherstone Town, and losing access to the ground in early January was the biggest twist in the tale. Hours of hard work behind the scenes over many weeks led to Saturdays homecoming.

On the pitch, the team is starting to pick up momentum again and looking up the league at the teams above. A game if difficult conditions against a good Whitchurch Alport side, as well as the emotions of the day was a recipe for an intriguing game.

Roared on by home support at the GAM Civils Stadium for the first time since December 23rd, the Adders started fast and found themselves ahead within five minutes. A loose touch at the back for the visitors allowed Jamie Spiers to pick the defenders pocket and charge through one on one with the goalkeeper. Spiers kept his cool to slot home into the bottom corner and spark jubilant scenes on the terraces.

Atherstone kept on the visitors with a series of set pieces and testing crosses. Lewis Collins, Ryan Quinn and Tom Smith all had presentable chances to double the lead but were unable to take them.

Whitchurch grew into the half as it went on, with Lewis Noon having to be sharp on two occasions to make vital blocks. Whitchurch had their best chance right at the end of the half, but could not convert when one on one after a quick counter attack.

Going into the break the Adders kept their advantage, but the visitors had worked their way back into the game. Going up the hill second half on a pitch that was really cutting up due to the conditions, the result was far from certain.

Whitchurch came out hot in the second half, but the Atherstone back line stuck together and repelled the attacks. Between the sticks, 17 year old Finn Osborn commanded his area and caught crosses with the confidence of a player with years of experience.

Atherstone still pushed for a second goal, with Jack Wells heading over following a set piece, and Collins putting a chance just wide of the post from close range. Attacking substitutes saw further opportunities open up, with Jake Brown causing plenty of problems with runs in behind.

Whitchurch remained a threat but were continually thwarted by a resolute Atherstone defence, and Osborn who was catching the eye and drawing plaudits with his performance. The Adders nearly wrapped up the points with a goal late on, but Nathan McGarrity was denied after getting in one on one.

That was the final action of the game, and when the final whistle blew management staff, players and fans came together to celebrate a hard fought win on a big day for the club. The result sees Atherstone move up the table into ninth, seven points of the play off places with games in hand on the teams around them.

Next up for the Adders is back to back away games against Stourport Swifts on Tuesday 13th and Bewdley Town on Saturday 17th. Atherstone are next at home on Saturday 24th when they take on Dudley Town.

Saturday was a special occasion for the club, marked by a gritty win from a committed group of players. There is a lot of football still to be played this season, and if Atherstone continue to play as they have for the last couple of games, they could well be in the mix at the business end.

This group deserves your continued support, and the club needs it more than ever. Be sure to keep getting along and getting behind your Atherstone Town.