News

Alton 1 - 0 Fleet Town

07 Nov 2023

Match report by Dave Hawtin

A late winner at The Exclusive Networks Stadium on Saturday afternoon as youngster Evan Anderson scored from close range to secure the three points.

The visitors played the last hour with 10 men after the referee judged a challenge in the middle of the pitch to be dangerous an issued a straight red card. There were some very good judges among the crowd who themselves judged the referee's decision to be very harsh indeed.

The visitors got to the half time whistle without too many threats on their goal and the game was set up for an intriguing second half.

The home side started well and dominated territory with the extra man, throwing numerous crosses into the penalty area. Those that did make the intended target were very well defended by Fleet.

As the visitors' confidence grew they had a really good spell where they had good possession and looked like they still had a threat in them.

When the visiting keeper pulled off a stunning diving save to thwart a Jamie Hoppitt goal bound shot you wondered if they might just see the game through to the end.

On 89 minutes the breakthrough, Archie Larkham again broke away down the right hand side leaving defenders in his wake and delivered what was to be the best cross of the afternoon right into the corridor that goalkeepers and defenders fear. As the ball broke off of a retreating defender, Anderson was perfectly positioned to slot the winner home to the delight of the majority of the large home crowd.

Alton travel to Spelthorne Sports this coming Saturday 11th, then return home to The Exclusive Networks Stadium on Tuesday 14th when Baffins Milton Rovers will be the visitors in the Hampshire Senior Cup 3rd Round. Kick off 7:45pm.

Match Highlights from Academy TV