ALTON FC 2, EAST COWES VICTORIA 1

MATT Graham’s sweet strike made it a happy return to The Enclosure for Alton, playing their first home game in five weeks.

The pace of Alton’s front three, Matt Jackson, Danny Knee and Callum Burch, was soon causing problems for East Cowes in this Sydenhams League Division One game. Ben Williams appeared to be fouled at a corner-kick, but the referee waved away loud appeals for a penalty, and then Jackson and Burch tested keeper Dan Russell.

Vics gradually started to get a foothold in the game. Jordan Browne shot over when well placed and Aaron Shephard’s effort was blocked by Ben Williams.

At the other end, Jackson looked likely to score after making space for himself, but shot into the sidenetting.

The goal Alton had been threatening finally arrived when Knee picked the ball up in midfield and, with time and space, gave the keeper no chance.

The Brewers pressed for a second and Burch went close. But it was a familiar story as Alton took their foot off the pedal and allowed East Cowes back into the game. Matt Petts saved bravely at the feet of Macauley Watterson and the Alton keeper was kept busy until half-time.

Jackson had a chance to double the lead, but with the keeper beaten, his shot was cleared off the line.

Alton again started brightly in the the second half, but chances continued to come and go. A fine through-ball from Graham released Jackson whose control let him down as he bore down on goal and the ball ran through to keeper Russell who, soon after, reacted sharply to smother a Knee pull-back.

Almost inevitably, Alton were punished for these misses. The home defence failed to deal with a high ball into the box and it fell to Dexter Malin who shot home unerringly.

However, this was the catalyst for Alton to up their game and put the Vics under intense pressure. The visitors hung on as Knee was foiled by a goal-line clearance and substitute Max Paddon forced Russell into another excellent save.

Time was running out fast when Alton finally made the breakthrough at a corner won by the lively Paddon. Graham’s kick was cleared back to him and he controlled skilfully before hitting the ball cleanly into the top corner – much to the relief of home players and fans alike.

There was still time for Alton to nearly throw away two points. With Petts beaten, Williams got back to clear his lines.

A deserved win for the Brewers, but with a bit more composure in front of goal, the points would have been secured much earlier.

Alton: Petts, Colbourne, Graham, Thomas, Williams, Taylor, Knee, Clarke, Jackson, Callard, Burch. Subs (used): Paddon, Corbett.

• Alton welcomed Wey Valley Radio sports presenters Mark Taylor and Paul Aris who sponsored Saturday’s Man of Match award. Callum Burch collected the award for his all-round play and effort in driving Alton forward.

Alton are away to AFC Stoneham this Saturday.