ALTON FC 4, VERWOOD TN 2

BOTH sides were in confident mood for the Sydenhams League Division One match at The Enclosure on Saturday, having scored four goals apiece the week before.

But it was not as close as the score suggests and Alton created enough chances to put the game out of sight before half-time.

The Brewers attacked from the start and after Reece Colbourne and Sean Hayes had shot high, Joe Clarke strode through the defence before releasing Danny Knee, who was denied by Ben Daniels in the Verwood goal.

Matt Graham then picked out Hayes who dragged his shot wide when he should really have scored. Knee narrowly missed the target before, against the run of play, Verwood snatched the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Full-back Jamie Webber got down the wing and squared the ball to Russell Dyer who gave Matt Petts no chance.

Alton were soon level, though, as Ollie Copplestone forced the ball home just two minutes into the second half.

The game opened up as Verwood sensed there might be something for them and it was no surprise when the visitors regained the lead. James Guthrie was given the freedom of the penalty area to plant his header beyond Petts’ reach.

Chances came and went for Alton before, eventually, Copplestone found Knee and with only Daniels to beat, his shot this time gave the keeper no chance.

Two apiece, with all to play for, and Petts had to be at his best to prevent Verwood taking the lead once more. Callum Burch headed wide from a corner at the other end before Alton took the lead for the first time in the game.

Another corner was only half cleared, Graham played the ball back into the box and Watts nodded it back across goal for Burch to head home.

The Brewers upped their game and it was third time lucky as Copplestone drove the loose ball into the net for Alton’s fourth after shots from Burch and Hayes had been blocked.

Verwood were still not out of it and Martin Smith headed just over, while substitute John Cass could have netted a fifth for the home side.

A bit closer than Alton would have liked as they now prepare for the FA Vase this Saturday and a trip to Bristol to play Western Premier League outfit Hengrove Athletic in the first round proper.

Alton: Petts, Colbourne, Graham, Copplestone, Williams, Adkins, Knee, Clarke, Burch, Hayes, Watts. Subs (all used): Sanderson, Thorpe, Cass.