ALTON 1,

POOLE 3

THAT morale-boosting first league win of the season continued to elude Alton

As has been the story so far, Alton forced the pace at the start, but just couldn’t turn pressure into goals.

Early chances fell to Tom Singleton and James Goulding-Stewart, but a combination of bad luck and good goalkeeping denied them the vital breakthrough.

Poole were always a threat and began to dominate as Alton’s frustration grew.

The hosts pushed up too high in their bid to gain the advantage and Poole broke away clinically to take the lead – and then doubled it as they took advantage of a clearly rattled home side.

Alton regrouped at the start of the second half and again piled on the pressure. Short corner after short corner came their way, but still the Poole defence held firm.

Finally, though, Alton’s determination was rewarded and Luke Bottomley managed to flick the ball past the keeper.

But it proved to be merely a consolation goal. The visitors made it 3-1 from a short corner that was the last action of the game.

Promoted Alton knew it would be tough in Hampshire 2, but now they have to brush themselves off and prepare for this Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth.

US Portsmouth 6, Alton V 0 (Hants 9). The fifths’ unbeaten start to the league season came to an abrupt end as United Services scored three goals in each half. Alton competed well in midfield, but Services gradually increased their intensity to give Ian Southgate his busiest afternoon of the season in goal. Simon Cooney was Alton’s man of the match for his calm presence in a defence that was under constant pressure.