ALTON 8, GOSPORT 2

ALTON made further progress up the Hampshire 2 table with a second successive win, putting eight goals past Gosport at Amery Hill.

Gosport have found it tough going this season and Alton wasted no time in putting the visiting defence under pressure.

The midfield of Harry Curtis, Richard Spicer and Pete Howland gave their forwards a good service. Sam Juncker and Tom Green were denied by the keeper before skipper Nigel Downing pounced on a rebound to put his side in front.

Alton continued to force the pace and Scott Reading was only denied a short-corner goal by a fantastic stick save. A second goal was coming, though, and Juncker did just enough to squeeze the ball under the goalkeeper and make it 2-0 at the break.

The second half began with Gosport again under the cosh. Soon, Downing was brought down in the circle and Reading dispatched the resulting penalty flick, despite the keeper getting a hand to the ball. Gosport, to their credit, continued to battle hard, but Alton were relentless. Downing grabbed his second goal and then Jonny Dane got on the scoresheet: 5-0.

Alton were in full flow and, despite the valiant effort of the Gosport keeper, youngster Xavi Bochereau snapped up two goals and Downing completed his hat-trick.

At the final whistle, Gosport still had a short corner to take and managed to beat Lawrence Jones for a second consolation goal.