ALTON FC 2, TOTTON & ELING 2

ALTON will look back on this game as two points lost. Had they taken half their clearcut chances, it would have been a handsome victory in the Sydenhams League Division One.

Debutant Joe Brock, standing in for the injured Matt Petts, was alert to make an early save and Alton had a lucky escape when Matt Morris completely missed the ball in front of an empty net, allowing Matt Graham to clear his lines.

This spurred Alton into life and Totton goalkeeper Ellis Grant was soon being kept busy. Smart work by Oli Copplestone released George Callard and he slid the ball under Grant to put the Brewers in front.

The lead lasted just a minute as Matt Bainbridge was given the freedom of the six-yard box to equalise from a corner.

Alton again had most of the possession in the second half and it was no surprise when Joe Clarke broke up play and released Sean Hayes who restored the lead with a left-foot drive.

Taylor Watts missed a glorious chance to add a third, Grant somehow saving in a goalmouth scramble.

And so it was against the run of play when Copplestone was adjudged to have handled inside the area. Brock guessed right, but was just unable to reach Matt Randell’s penalty.

Manager Mark Corbett came off the bench and almost won it for Alton with a shot that crashed against the crossbar.

Alton visit Whitchurch United this Saturday.

Alton: Brock, Cass, Graham, Copplestone, Williams, Flanighan, Callard, Clarke, Knee, Hayes, Watts. Subs (all used): Thorpe, Colbourne, Corbett.

• Alresford Town drew 1-1 with Hamble Club in the Sydenhams League Premier Division.

Tom Sands put the Magpies in front and it remained 1-0 at the interval.

It took a late strike from Doug Rowe to salvage a draw for the visitors.

• Petersfield Town, after their 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Alresford, restored some pride with a 2-2 draw at Portland United.

Sam Buckler put Portland ahead, but Luke Walker equalised with a sweetly-struck shot.

The home team seemed to have secured the points when substitute Lewis Whyton headed a late second goal.

But the Rams kept battling away and got their reward with almost the last action of the match.

Walker played in a peach of a cross and Sean Evans darted in to score from close range.