ALTON 4, HENLEY TN 2

ALTON claimed a prize scalp on Saturday when they beat Hellenic Premier League outfit Henley Town to reach the first round proper of the FA Vase.

At first, it seemed that Henley, who won promotion last season, would take the 3G surface at The Enclosure in their stride as a goal by Matt Leigh put them in front after 13 minutes.

Alton enjoyed plenty of possession, but it took them a while to find a cutting-edge.

On 30 minutes, however, Scott Sanderson stabbed home the equaliser and that was the turning-point of the game.

Alton delighted their supporters by scoring two more goals before the interval.

Ben Hutching headed home the second from an Ashley Peck corner. On the stroke of the half-time whistle, Henley failed to clear a corner properly and Peck snapped up the vital third goal.

A fired-up Henley came out early for the second half, but although they huffed and puffed, they never really threatened Mo Nyamunga’s goal.

On the hour-mark, Henry Fox bundled the ball home after a right-wing cross to put Alton out of sight at 4-1.

Michael Davies gave Henley a glimmer of hope by converting a late penalty and the visitors forced Nyamunga to make a smart save to his left.

But Alton ran out worthy winners and can look forward to a home tie with Corinthian FC (Southern Counties East League Premier Div) on October 22.

Alresford Town also booked a place in the first round by winning 2-0 at Wessex Premier League rivals Cowes Sports.

Mohammad Nyang and substitute Babucarr Bojang scored the goals that earned the Magpies a home tie against Lingfield (Southern Combination League Div I).

Badshot Lea went out of the Vase, losing by a single goal away to fellow Combined Counties Premier League side Abbey Rangers.

CCL Division One side Ash United will host Chichester City (Southern Combination League Premier Div) in the first round proper after beating Milton United 3-1 on Saturday.