ALTON 4, TROJANS III 1

ALTON, still undefeated, put in another strong performance to record their 18th win of the season in 20 matches and claim the Hampshire Division Three title with two games to spare.

Fourth-placed Trojans III were not in the mood to roll over, but could not prevent Alton scoring four goals at their happy hunting ground at Amery Hill.

Alton set a fast pace and dominated the early play, with half-chances falling to forwards Stuart Gagen, Martin Kercher and Tom Singleton.

Trojans defended well and although unable to muster much attacking pressure of their own, kept the home side at bay.

Eventually, a poor clearance from a Trojan defender was picked off by Jack Hawkes and his neat lay-off enabled Scott Reading to slam the ball home for the first goal.

But Alton missed several more chances in the closing minutes of the half and suddenly, out of the blue, Trojans equalised with a screamer of a shot from a free-hit, the ball flashing over Lawrence Jones’ shoulder into the net.

So Alton still had work to do in the remaining 35 minutes and they immediately stormed the Trojans goal. Singleton had two more attempts, his first shot just wide and his second kept out by a fine stick save.

Stubborn defence and excellent goalkeeping continued to frustrate Alton until, finally, Gagen restored the lead with a deft finish from a short corner.

Soon after, Alton won another short corner and Reading snapped up his second goal to put Alton in control at 3-1.

Trojans, with nothing to lose, now mounted more attacks, but could not penetrate the back line of Dan Trim and Jonny Dane.

With the clock running down, Alton put the game to bed. James Wilson, after a strong run, found Martin Kercher in the circle and he set up Gagen who looped the ball past the keeper to seal the championship to go alongside promotion to Division Two.

Alton doubtless celebrated in style, but will now focus on maintaining their proud unbeaten record. They travel to Aldershot & Farnham II this Saturday and finish their campaign with a home match against Fareham V on April 1.