Alton manager Kevin Adair praised his players after they beat Aldershot Town 3-2 in the second round of the Hampshire Senior Cup on Tuesday evening.

The Brewers were quick out of the blocks and took the lead in the tenth minute when Nasim Regragui finished well at the near post.

Luke Perkins doubled Alton's lead on 20 minutes with a neat touch and finish, and Perkins made it 3-0 in the 34th minute with a superb volley.

The Shots improved after the break and pulled a goal back on 61 minutes through Harry McKenna's fine strike, and Tommy Willard made it 3-2 in the 64th minute with a powerful shot.

Alton saw out out the rest of the match to claim a significant scalp and seal their place in the next round of the cup, and Adair was delighted with what he saw from his side.

"I had made my point about how disappointed I was with the first couple of 45 minutes in the past two games, and I knew against a side like this if we started slowly we wouldn't get away with it – we'd get punished and be out of sight," said Adair.

"I'm happy for the lads. Aldershot came here with seven lads that have been involved in the first-team, and lads who were involved in their first-team squad on Saturday.

"We've not just beaten their under-23s – we've deservedly beaten a really good squad of players that are playing in the National League. The lads have got to enjoy these moments because you don't get many of them.

"We wanted to stay in the game until half-time, but we created the better chances and took a thoroughly deserved lead. We took confidence from that and took the game to them. The third goal is a special goal from Luke and we know he's got that in his locker. When he's fit he's as good as there is at this level.

"There was a 20-minute period Aldershot had in the second half – which we knew was coming. Our lads had worked so hard and were tiring against a full-time team.

"Our full focus now has to go to Balham on Saturday. We're at home so we should be going into that full of confidence."