RINGWOOD TN 3, ALTON 1

ALTON’S season ended with a disappointing defeat in the New Forest on Saturday.

A typical end-of-season encounter was played in glorious sunshine, with both sides showing their attacking prowess.

The Brewers were first to threaten with a Callum Burch header and almost immediately, at the other end, Ringwood’s Matt Steer missed with a free header inside the six-yard box.

Alton keeper James Kennedy saved well from Lee Vint before Ringwood took the lead.

Kennedy did well to get down and push another Vint effort against the post, but the Alton defenders seemed to be still admiring the save as Ringwood recycled the ball and Nick Patrick shot home.

Ringwood sensed more goals and the lively Vint nearly doubled the lead. However, Alton got back into the match and equalised when Adam Westwood crossed and Regan Hitch’s deflected shot gave the keeper no chance.

The second half saw more half-chances at both ends, but again it was the home side who got their noses in front as Pete Richmond-Cole restored the lead at 2-1.

Alton manager Clive Ventham rang the changes and a chance quickly fell to substitute Jacob Channon who headed high from a corner.

Sean Hayes forced a decent save from a free-kick, but it wasn’t to be Alton’s day and Steer scored Ringwood’s third goal to make the game safe.

Ventham has guided Alton to a creditable 12th in the Sydenhams League (Wessex) Division? One table. The Brewers already have some attractive friendlies lined up before the start of next season when former Alton striker Mark Corbett, currently playing for Camberley, is due to take over as manager.