EAST COWES VICS 2, ALTON FC 2

THIS was a good point for Alton, but it seemed at first as if sea sickness had got the better of them because Dexter Malin put East Cowes Vics ahead in the second minute of the Sydenhams League Division One match.

And the Brewers’ defence was all at sea again as Jimmi Burton beat full-back John Cass rather too easily and doubled the lead.

Alton finally woke up and, thereafter, the game ebbed and flowed.

Whatever was said at half-time certainly had the desired effect because, soon after the restart, a Sean Hayes cross was headed home by Taylor Watts to reduce the deficit.

Matt Petts had to be alert and brave to deny Vics a third goal, but Alton were beginning to take charge and Danny Knee was unlucky to have a goal disallowed for offside.

The visitors were having a lot of joy down the left and it was no surprise when the East Cowes right-back was replaced.

Alton made a double change, bringing on Callum Burch and Jody Thorpe, while a change of shape also increased the pressure on the islanders.

Matt Graham was pushed into a wide midfield role and it was from his through-ball that Knee turned his marker and shot past Cameron Farley for Alton’s deserved equaliser.

Just as Alton thought the job was done, Macauley Watterson forced Petts into a vital save to keep the scores level.

The Brewers will see it as two points dropped because once they sorted out the early defensive problems, they always looked the better team.

Alton entertain Christchurch at The Enclosure this Saturday.

Alton: Petts, Cass, Graham, Hayes, Williams, Flanighan, Knee, J.Clarke, Sanderson, Callard, Watts. Subs (all used): Burch, Thorpe, Taylor.