ALRESFORD TOWN 3, HAMWORTHY 1

ALRESFORD continued their surge up the Sydenhams League Premier Division table and reached a lofty sixth place with victory over improving Hamworthy.

The Magpies had to come from behind and were thankful for Chris Mason’s coolness from the spot as the visitors conceded two penalties in the second half.

The penalties were yielded under increasing pressure as Alresford, true to form, got better and better as the game went on.

Alresford, who have won 11 of their last 15 league games, with three draws and just one loss, remain 15 points off the top three, but have played only 27 games compared with the 32 of leaders Moneyfields.

Tom Sands was denied an early goal when through in a one-on-one and it was Hamworthy who gained the advantage. Dan Kempson made a good initial save, but the ball dropped to Brandon Randall who snapped up the chance.

The woodwork then denied the visitors a second goal and Alresford realised they had to raise their game.

Hamworthy assisted them with a blatant handball and Mason converted to make it 1-1 at the interval.

Both goalkeepers distinguished themselves with fine saves soon after the restart, but the game changed when, from a free-kick, Tom Richards delivered a superb ball for Tom Sands to glance home and put Alresford in front.

As the Magpies swept forward again, substitute Geoff Dunn was fouled and again Mason was unerring from the spot. Game over.

Three more valuable points for Alresford who had a point to prove after their shock exit from the Sydenham League Cup in midweek. Division One side Shaftesbury came from 3-0 behind to draw 4-4 and then won a tense penalty shoot-out, 5-4, to progress to the quarter-finals.

Alresford’s mettle will again be tested this Saturday when they travel to second-placed Blackfield & Langley.