ALTON completed their pre-season programme last weekend with an 8-0 thumping of Eversley & California as the Brewers build up to the Wessex League Division One opener at Andover New Street this Saturday.

Taylor Watts (3), Danny Knee (2), Sean Hayes, Regan Hitch and Callum Burch scored the goals as the Combined Counties League Division?One side were demolished, giving Alton the perfect finish to their build-up.

National League clubs Basingstoke and Eastleigh brought their first-team squads to The Enclosure, where a new stand has been completed, and three other friendlies were against higher-ranked sides. A draw with Abingdon and narrow defeats to Thatcham and Camberley were followed by victories against clubs at the same level, Ash United and Eversley.

New manager Mark Corbett has rung the changes to get the right balance and has made some significant signings to enhance the squad he inherited. Ben Williams (Farnham) and Matt Graham (Petersfield) will help shore up the defence, while Joe Clarke (Farnham) should add more bite to the midfield. Alton hope that Danny Knee will add to the firepower provided last season by Scott Sanderson and Callum Burch.

Corbett, an ex-Alton Town player, has been known to score a goal or two himself, but is expected to start the season from the bench as he runs the rule over his players.

Alton’s first home league game will be against Ringwood on Saturday, August 12, followed by a midweek trip to Laverstock & Ford. The Brewers have a bye in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase and will host either Amesbury or New Milton in the next round.

Alton face a tough trip to Brockenhurst in the Hampshire Senior Cup first round on?Tuesday, August 22.