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Knaphill 1 - 0 Alton

24 Apr 2023

This game was ultimately decided by a moment of indecision in the visitors' defence when a striker stole in at the back post to finish with aplomb with half an hour on the clock.

Match report by Dave Hawtin

An early break from Louis Russell down the left saw him lose his defender with clever feet, then drive the ball across the six yard box where the fast arriving Rowan Sharratt flashed a shot into the side netting.

Chances were few and far between in the first half at both ends of the pitch. The visitors back four containing three teenagers among them showed great composure and confidence throughout.

The second half was much the same pattern with some decent spells of possession in the middle third of the pitch from both sides but neither keeper threatened.

With 10 minutes to go what looked like a poor decision by the officials awarded Knaphill a penalty when it looked clear to most that George Winkworth recovered well to win his tackle fairly. Justice was done when Lewis Mees made a super diving save to his left to block the effort.

The last threat was to come from the visitors. Sharratt drove a lovely ball 30 yards across field toward Russell who picked out of the sky brilliantly but just just couldn’t find the finish the move deserved.

This was an entertaining encounter with nothing riding on the result which the home side just shaded.

Alton make the short trip up the A31 tomorrow (Tuesday) night for the Aldershot Senior Cup Semi Final vs Badshot Lea. Kick off 7.45pm. Alton season ticket holders receive reduced admission (£5).

Match Highlights from Academy TV