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Abbey Rangers 2 - 1 Alton

10 Oct 2023

Match report by Dave Hawtin

The away team's performance did not warrant the win but ultimately the visitors will point at the three times they struck the home sides woodwork and a goal line clearance as the difference between the two sides.

The home side were by a long way the busier of the two sides in the first half but neither side tested either keeper in the first half hour.

The opening goal on 40 minutes sums up how fickle and frustrating the game can be. Jamie Hoppit crashed a header against the home side’s crossbar from a corner and 20 seconds later the ball is in the visitors net following a lightning break to the other end.

With just a minute to go before the half time whistle another Alton corner caused chaos and following a goal mouth scramble Louis Russell’s close range shot is somehow cleared off the line.

Alton needed a fast start to the second half but were further rocked when hesitancy in the penalty area allowed the ball to bounce unchallenged into the six yard box and gifted an unmarked striker a simple finish.

During the last half hour the visitors lifted their game and pushed forward striking the woodwork on two more occasions before Ed Dryden was in the right place at the back post on 84 minutes to reduce the deficit.

Ultimately the clock wound down and unfortunately a couple more half chances didn’t fall their way.

Disappointing, but you could see in the players faces at the full time whistle that they were knew they were nowhere near their best on the day.

Alton return home to The Exclusive Networks Stadium this Saturday 14th October, when Redhill will be the visitors. 3pm kick off.

Match Highlights from Academy TV