Alton Res. 1 - 3 US Portsmouth

This year’s quest to emulate the form shown in last years competition came to an abrupt halt for the Reserves as they went down 1-3 to a US Portsmouth side who were last year flying in Div 1 East before Covid. USP have since been promoted into the Premier Division and are doing extremely well there too.

Alton started the slower and were on the back foot for the first 15 minutes or so until they settled and began to get a foothold in the game. Neither side created too many chances, although USP had the more dangerous ones.

On the stroke of half time a cross by Max Williams was spilt by the USP keeper and Dave Browning was on hand to tap in. This was “chalked off” by the referee (after consulting with the assistant) for offside.

HT 0-0

Alton, yet again, started the slower in the second half and this time USP capitalised by storming into a 2 goal lead within 5 minutes of the restart.

Just 10 minutes later Alton had the chance to get back in the game by being awarded a penalty. This was (uncharacteristically) missed by Dave Browning.

USP then went further ahead following a goalmouth scramble which Alton repeatedly failed to clear.

With Alton chasing the game changes to personnel and formation were made and Alton’s consolation goal was scored, by the returning Lloyd Smallwood, with pretty much the last kick of the game.

FT 1-3

USP deserved winners on a day which now Alton need to put behind them, and concentrate on continuing with their excellent start to the season with next weeks League game away to Infinity.

Team: Hardcastle, Brown, Evans, Westbrook, Cresswell, Pedro, Gill, Williams, Lenachan, Bowning.
Subs: Goodall, McBride, Bunney, Smallwood, Knight.