Alton Town 3, Fawley 1

IN a game that could best be described as scrappy, it was Alton who came out on top and returned to winning ways after last week’s defeat.

But it was Fawley who had the first chance, using the advantage of the wind, as Lilley shot over when well placed.

Callum Burch, on Alton’s right, created the home side’s first chance but his cross was cleared.

And Fawley almost took a fortuitous lead as a misunderstanding between goalkeeper Boughton and Black ended with Black heading over his keeper, but fortunately for Alton the ball sailed wide of the post. The corner came to nothing and shortly after Alton took the lead.

Joe Clarke played the ball into the box and Fawley’s goalkeeper raced out of his goal to meet the ball, but full back MacLeod didn’t hear the call and only half-cleared the ball which fell to Scott Sanderson on the edge of the box. He controlled the ball and calmly knocked in the opener with the goalkeeper struggling to get back.

But the lead was shortlived as Boughton pulled off a good save to concede a corner, and Alton paid the ultimate price as Willis was left unmarked to head into the top corner for the equaliser.

The setback seemed to spark Alton into life as Clarke headed over from a Gavin Muir cross before Alton had a strong shout for a penalty. Sanderson set Burch away down the wing, his cross was met by Bunyan and, with the goalkeeper beaten, a Fawley defender appeared to control the ball with his arm before clearing the danger.

At the other end, Fawley forced another corner, before Sanderson headed against the post when well placed as the game opened up. Clarke then had another attempt but his shot was saved, with Sanderson ready to pick up any spillages.

With the wind becoming more of a factor, the second half become a dour battle, with no real chances being created by either side, so it was a surprise when a move of quality saw Alton restore their lead. Bunyan raced down the right and squared for Muir who in turn laid off to Sanderson. His shot was well saved by Parker in the Fawley goal but he could only parry it back to Sanderson whose second shot found the back of the net.

Adkins then replaced Grenham and a slight change in shape gave George Spiers time to get forward. He played a one-two then cut in from the right and fired home Alton’s third from just outside the box with his left foot.

This made the game safe and although both sides huffed and puffed, there were no real chances created until Alton were almost caught out by an underhit back pass but Boughton came to the rescue.

* On Saturday, Alton face Totton & Eling at The Enclosure in Division One of the Sydenhams Wessex League (kick-off 3pm).