ALRESFORD TOWN 3, WHITCHURCH UTD 2

ALRESFORD Town again showed their resilience by scoring three goals in the last 20 minutes to overturn a 2-0 deficit and secure three more points.

The Magpies, now fifth in the Sydenhams League Premier Division, had lost 1-0 to Sholing in midweek and were in danger of losing to lowly Whitchurch after conceding twice early in the second half.

Whitchurch have a habit of squandering two-goal leads and it happened again on Saturday.

The Arlebury pitch was heavy following a downpour just before kick-off and a lively first half ended goalless after a number of fine saves by both keepers.

Jason Silver marked his debut for the Jam Boys with a goal in the 55th minute – a tap-in after Luke Walker’s flick had been parried by Dan Kempson.

Four minutes later, United took route one to make it 2-0. Ellis Grant pumped a long kick upfield and Danny Phillips latched onto the ball to finish in style, with Kempson caught in no-man’s land.

But Whitchurch’s jubilation faded quickly as Alresford pulled off one of their great escapes.

First a bit of luck when Steve Hall won a debatable corner, although Tom Sands’ close-range finish was emphatic.

John Cole got the equaliser on 92 minutes and the consistent Craig Harding scored the last-gasp winner to spark wild celebrations amongst the Alresford players.

* Alresford hit top gear on Tuesday night and blitzed Bashley 5-1. There was no stopping the Magpies after Sam Burt had scored in the first minute. A Joe Coombes own goal hardly helped the home team’s cause and it was all over as a contest when Scott Munro made it 3-0 soon after the interval.

Aaron Blaxhall then bagged a brace of goals and, in between, Harry McGrath pulled one back for Bashley.

* Alresford travel to Fareham this Saturday and on Wednesday (April 12) they host Bemerton Heath.

* Alton resume Division One action with a difficult trip to Hamble Club, the runaway leaders, on Saturday.