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Tadley Calleva 1 - 1 Alton

12 Aug 2024

Match report by Dave Hawtin

On the opening day of the 2024/25 programme Alton gave league debuts to 6 players.

The visitors were quickest out of the blocks and following a marauding forward run from Jamie Hoppitt, Perry Coles had the first attempt at goal that was well blocked by a defender with the keeper flat footed.

The home side quickly retaliated and following hesitation at the back conceded an unnecessary corner that was not dealt properly when it came into the box allowing a simple tap in from close range.

The visitors re grouped and patiently kept good possession and probed down both flanks.

Their domination of the ball was rewarded right on half time, having forced a corner on the left, a scramble in the box fell very nicely for Bennett and he comfortably shot home from close range for the equaliser.

The second half followed much of the same pattern. Alton were better in possession and collectively sharper around the pitch.

There was a hold-the-breath moment when Douglas in the visitors' goal missed out on a clearance and the alert Tolu Asayi-obe reacted quickest to force the ball away from a striker bearing down on goal.

Douglas did make amends later in the game when he dived sharply down to his left to push away a shot from close range that looked to be heading into the net.

The visitors were dominating territorially and created the best opportunities but it wasn’t until five minutes from time that Coles rattled the bar direct from a free kick 25 yards out.

Tadley forced a couple of very late corners to ensure a nervous end but ultimately the points were shared.

Match Highlights from Academy TV