ALTON 15, PORTSMOUTH & S 0

ALTON took their season’s goal tally to 66 – nearly twice the next highest – with this demolition of bottom side Portsmouth & Southsea on Saturday.

The visitors arrived at Amery Hill with only one point to their name and three players short of a full squad and Alton knew they had a great chance to strengthen their grip at the top of Hampshire 3.

They were immediately into their stride as Tom Singleton opened the scoring with an overhead shot from close range.

Stuart Gagen soon added a second as Alton sliced through the depleted opposition.

To their credit, Portsmouth & Southsea refused to lie down and packed their defence and threw bodies on the line to limit the damage.

But despite their valiant efforts, the seasiders conceded twice more before the break, Jason Smith and skipper Nigel Downing both finding the back of the net to make it 4-0.

Alton knew they should have had more and emerged for the second half in ruthless mood. Although Portsmouth continued to put up spirited resistance, Alton used their numerical advantage to run their opponents ragged.

Gagen struck twice to complete his hat-trick and further goals quickly followed from Nick Bagley-Reed and Martin Kercher.

Alton attacks came thick and fast as the outnumbered visitors tired. Their keeper made some fine saves, but the floodgates opened under the constant pressure.

Strikes from James Goulding-Stewart, Jonny Dane, James Wilson, Dan Trim, Gagen – his fourth of the game – and Bagley-Reed gave Alton a thumping 15-0 scoreline.

Six points clear at the top, Alton will beware of any complacency because third-placed Trojans III are bound to offer a tougher test this Saturday.