NEW MILTON 1, ALTON TN 2

ALTON Town moved closer to mid-table in the Sydenhams League Division?One with this important win at struggling New Milton last Saturday.

But Michael Charles was downbeat about the victory. “It wasn’t a great performance,” said the manager. “We’ve played much better this season and lost. But I suppose it’s a sign that luck might be turning in our favour.”

Charles was not impressed by New Milton’s disregard for etiquette late in the game.

Alton had put the ball out while Adam Allaway received treatment after a kick in the stomach. But rather than give the ball back, New Milton opted to counter-attack in their push for the winner.

“It left a bit of a bad feeling,” said Charles. “The game doesn’t need that sort of thing.”

After a goalless first half, New Milton took the lead almost straight from the restart with a goal by Dom Falco.

But the Brewers kept pressing and when Sean Latimer was blatantly fouled on 62 minutes, the new signing got up to give the keeper no chance with a blistering penalty kick.

And with 17 minutes remaining, it was Alton who came up with the winner. Shaun Hayes’ long ball over the top was chested down by substitute Luke Perkins who outpaced his marker before driving left-footed past the advancing keeper.