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Frimley Green 1 - 2 Alton

30 Jan 23

After three games in which errors and circumstances conspired against them Alton finally got the win their performances have deserved.

Match report by Dave Hawtin

I suppose it was somewhat inevitable that we would be biting our nails toward the end even though the visitors had dominated the game but failed to press home that dominance in goals.

From the start they were quick out of the blocks, Caborn and Russell were a threat down the flanks throughout but the young home side were competing well and defending in numbers limiting space on a surface that was a little difficult for both sides.

On 18 minutes they finally broke through, Russell’s clever flick released Reffell and he finished well past the advancing keeper.

In a rare foray into the Alton half an equaliser from nowhere, a break, a lucky bounce in a challenge on the the edge of the box and a calm finish and suddenly we are all square.

The last five minutes of the first half were all action, Alton re-took the lead from the penalty spot after Caborn was felled in the box, Matt Graham confidently sending the keeper the wrong way.

As they went for the jugular Brice headed home from a corner, goal given until a linesman intervened and called the referee over, he pointed out he believed he had seen a push in the crowded box from what has to be 40 yards away. For the second week running Alton were the victims of a bizarre decision from an official.

Then right on half time the home side who were now hanging on were down to 10 men. A challenge on Bowerman was deemed reckless and a straight red issued. I was 10 yards away and a red was very very harsh.

Clear advantage to Alton for the second 45 minutes. A goal up and a player up.

Dominance of the ball and territory continued throughout the half, but the home side were never going to make it easy and continued to battle.

When Reffell dived into an unnecessary challenge on the half way line in front of both dugouts the outcome was obvious given the first half decision by the referee. Another straight red card and the player advantage gone.

Chances continued to come at regular intervals for the visitors but a combination of brave defending, poor final ball and an excellent goalkeeping display ensured that there were no more goals.

Finally three well deserved points.

Alton return to action tomorrow (Tuesday) evening with a trip to Badshot Lea, 19:45 kick off.

Match Highlights from Academy TV