BOURNEMOUTH III 2, ALTON 3

ALTON breathed a huge sigh of relief after finally recording their first win of the season in Hampshire 2, twice coming from behind to beat sixth-placed Bournemouth III.

Travelling to Dorset for an early 10am start, Alton were determined to get a result, but almost conceded an early goal to a strong home side when, with keeper Lawrence Jones beaten, youngster Tom Green got back to clear off the line.

Bournemouth did take the lead from a penalty corner, but Alton kept their composure and created several chances, the best falling to Richard Spicer who hammered a shot against the post.

Soon after, Alton’s hard work paid off, Scott Reading firing home from a short corner. But they were level for no more than two minutes, Bournemouth regaining the lead from another short corner, despite a brave effort by Jones.

Alton, trailing 2-1 at half-time, continued to push forward. Jones saved in a one-on-one as Bournemouth broke away, but eventually Jonny Dane strolled up from the back and slid the ball under the keeper to level thing up at 2-2.

With time running out, Alton threw everything at their opponents and finally went ahead for the first time. Tom Singleton was through in a one-on-one and although the keeper saved the first shot, the striker followed in to put away the rebound.

Alton dug deep in a tense final few minutes and set up a wall of yellow shirts to frustrate Bournemouth.

Alton V 5, Trojans VI 4 (Hants 9 South). The fifths got their season back on track by edging a nine-goal thriller. Goals from Harrison Curtis, Joe Yeadon, Adrian Trim and Martin Green gave Alton a 4-2 lead at half-time.

A fine solo effort from Henry Steven made it 5-2 before Trojans converted two penalty corners to reduce the deficit. Alton clung on to record their second win of the season.