WINCHESTER III 0, ALTON 1

ALTON picked up three valuable points on the road in a hard-fought Hampshire 2 match against fifth-placed Winchester thirds.

Up against in-form opponents, Alton focussed on keeping possession and the midfield unit of Pete Howland, Felix Morrison and Martin Kercher did that admirably in the early stages.

Chances fell to the visitors, but Winchester proved hard nuts to crack. And then it was Alton’s turn to have their defence tested as Winchester threatened with breakaway attacks.

Just before half-time, the home side won a string of short corners, but again the Alton rearguard stood strong and it remained 0-0 at the break.

The second half started with Alton looking confident they could get something out of the game, while Winchester were frustrated to be still level. The city side did most of the pressing, but again Alton held their line.

Midway through the half, Alton’s hard work and persistence finally paid off. Felix Morrison, after driving into the circle, fired in a shot that beat the advancing keeper, but was stopped on the line by a defender’s body, resulting in a penalty stroke.

Dave Compton calmly stepped up and dispatched the ball into the top left corner. Alton were ahead with 15 minutes to go.

The final minutes were tense for both sides as Alton clung on to their slender advantage and Winchester threw men forward in a push for the equaliser.

Several chances fell to Winchester and two shots went inches wide. But Alton clung on and the three points moves them closer to mid-table.