ANDOVER NEW STREET 0, ALTON 3

ALTON recorded a second consecutive win to move closer to mid-table in the Sydenhams League Division?One.

Away to basement side Andover New Street, the Brewers seemed well on their way when they led 2-0 at Foxcotte Park, but they faced a difficult opening 20 minutes of the second half.

They had to defend well as New Street stepped up the pressure and temporary manager Clive Ventham will have been pleased that his side emerged with a clean sheet.

Alton took the lead after just seven minutes when Mark Taylor headed a Sean Hayes free-kick back across goal for Ali Gill to nod home.

Alton had to adjust their defence at that point, with centre-half Adam Aimable going off injured. Jonny Way came on at left-back and Ali Gill joined Taylor in the centre of defence.

The visitors took the changes in their stride and doubled their advantage on 18 minutes. Newcomer Taylor Watts made a strong run down the right and pulled the ball back for Scott Sanderson to score with a low drive.

The spirited Andover side got forward much more in the second half and it was almost as a breakaway when Alton sealed the game with their third goal.

Again, it was Sanderson who got on the end of a cross and sent a looping header high into the top left-hand corner of the net.

A positive result for Alton, with both new boys, Michael Parker and Watts, shaping up well.

The Brewers are home to New Milton this Saturday.

* Alresford Town pulled further away from the lower reaches of the Premier Division with a 3-0 win over bottom side Verwood.

Sam Burt put Alresford ahead after 12 minutes, but the home side only made sure of the points late in the second half when Aaron Blaxall and Tom Ashton scored a goal apiece.

This Saturday, the Magpies host Bashley. On Tuesday, they travel to Bemerton Heath.