ALTON FC 2, ANDOVER NEW STREET 1

ALTON recorded a fine victory over Andover New Street – currently second in the Sydenhams League Division One – in their last home game of 2017.

Manager Mark Corbett had used his Portsmouth FC connections in midweek to sign Academy youngsters Jack Chandler and Jordan Brooks on loan and both fitted nicely into the Brewers’ system of play.

The goalkeepers were kept busy in the first half as both sides created decent chances. Oliver Yates forced a good stop from Lewis Boughton in the Alton goal, while Taylor Watts and Danny Knee were combining well at the other end.

Alton’s best opening of the half fell to Watts who broke through in a one-on-one, only for Dave Tasker to pull off an excellent save to keep his side in the game.

Zach Neve should then have given New Street the lead, but somehow headed wide when he looked certain to score. The visitors again went close when Boughton, after blocking another shot by Neve, reacted sharply to scoop the rebound off the line and Oli Copplestone completed the clearance.

The Brewers were fired up for the second half and it was no real surprise when they took the lead on 58 minutes. Knee played the ball down the inside-left channel to Watts who hit a sweet 25-yard shot that went in off the near post. with Tasker routed to the spot.

Brooks was having an influential game in central midfield and saw a shot charged down as Alton pushed for a killer second goal. However, they nearly conceded at the other end as an alert Ben Williams cleared off his own line, with Boughton beaten.

Alton finally sealed the victory in the 84th minute – albeit with a slice of good fortune. George Callard played the ball down the wing to Knee whose cross deceived Tasker and sailed over the keeper’s head into the back of the net.

Substitute Callum Burch went close with a header and Brooks nearly scored on his debut.

Neve finally replied for New Street in added time, but it was too late and Alton secured three deserved points that lifts them to sixth in Division One, just three points outside the top three.

Alton travel to Totton & Eling this Saturday.

Alton: Boughton, Chandler, Graham, Copplestone, Williams, Colbourne, Knee, Brooks, Paddon, Watts. Subs: Hayes, Burch (both used), Corbett, Adkins, Petts (unused).