AFC STONEHAM 5, ALTON FC 1

ALTON took a drubbing in atrocious conditions at the HP Arena as AFC Stoneham recorded a fourth straight win to go fifth in the Sydenhams League Division?One.

Stoneham adapted to the wind and rain far better, although, with the gale at their backs, the Brewers began brightly and came close to taking the lead.

The home side gradually got into the game and Alex Welch missed a sitter, with the visiting defence all at sea and the goal at his mercy.

However, it was Welch who gave Stoneham the lead on 18 minutes. Matt Petts parried Jack Brady’s shot, but Welch reacted quickest to score the opener.

Petts almost equalised with a huge wind-assisted clearance that skidded off the wet surface and forced a full-length save from opposite number Scott Williams.

Alton were beginning to get on top and after Matt Jackson had headed wide when well placed, they deservedly drew level. A goal-kick held up in the wind and Jackson intercepted to head the ball into the path of Danny Knee who ran through to give Williams no chance.

Having restored parity, Alton fell behind again on the stroke of half-time, slack defending at a free-kick allowing Will Harris to score.

With the lead secured, Stoneham never looked back in the second half and Alton, now kicking into the wind, hardly created a decent chance. Some of the players were guilty of ‘going missing’ as conditions deteriorated further.

Mark Taylor made a fine last-ditch tackle on Sergio Caballero as Stoneham pressed home their advantage and it was no surprise when they increased their lead, albeit there was a strong suggestion of offside as Brady made it 3-1.

Alton heads dropped and when Matt Graham miscued a clearance, substitute Tom Hogan was on hand to score number four. Finally, the ball stuck in the mud on the edge of the Alton penalty area and Harris reacted quickest to complete the scoring.

Alton were due to visit Christchurch in midweek. They have no league fixture on Saturday and will need to raise their game markedly for the home match against current leaders Laverstock & Ford on Saturday, February 24.

Alton: Petts, Colbourne, Graham, Chandler, Williams, Taylor, Knee, Callard, Jackson, Burch, Watts. Subs: Paddon, Corbett (both used).