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Cobham 3 - 3 Alton

10 Sep 2023

Match report by Dave Hawtin

For the second week running Alton found themselves chasing the game, resulting in another thrilling comeback.

Cobham were the stronger side in the first half and were good value for their two goal lead at the break.

A really good header on 23 minutes from a deep cross and a super finish on the volley on 43 minutes from 12 yards from an onrushing midfielder who was left completely unchallenged.

Manager Kev Adair made a couple of changes at half time to try to claw back the deficit and was rewarded on 50 minutes when Luke Perkins broke the line and cooly finished past the advancing home keeper.

Having gained the initiative the visitors were again exposed on the hour. A long cross field ball was stabbed home at the far post with no defender close enough to make it a bit more difficult.

Could the visitors muster enough energy in the stifling heat to make it a nervous finish? Oh yes.

On 73 minutes they reduced the deficit. Scott Sanderson broke clear and as Perkins had done earlier clinically dispatched his shot into the corner of the net.

With the game about to enter stoppage time and with the home side visibly flagging, an equaliser. And what a finish it was. Substitute Oli Page broke into the left hand corner of the box, stepped back inside of his defender and curled a super right footed shot into the net off of the far post.

Only one winner now and only a wonderful save from the home keeper denied them what would probably have been an underserved three points.

Rob Carr showed great dexterity to somehow direct a very difficult headed chance toward the very top corner but with the visiting supporters ready to celebrate another incredible comeback the keeper somehow tipped it over the crossbar.

After a very disappointing first half a point gained.

Alton return home to The Exclusive Networks Stadium this Tuesday when Aldershot Town will be the visitors in the Servio Hampshire Senior Cup. Kick off 7.45pm.

Match Highlights from Academy TV