Alton 1 - 3 Sandhurst Town
18 Nov 2024
Match report by Dave Hawtin
At the end of this game, as people filed towards the exit, more than one of the regulars came up to me in frustration and said "copy and paste the last few weeks report", "how did we lose that game".
I, like them, feel for the team. They are working really hard together, play some lovely football but currently that bit of luck that changes games and fortunes continues to elude them.
The home side dominated possession and territory but the ball just won’t go into the net. That said, Sandhurst’s young defenders battled and blocked everything that was thrown at them, and if they didn’t the goalkeeper did.
On top of that the three goals they scored were all really well executed from distance. The first in the forth minute was a sweetly struck half volley from 15 yards.
The rest of the first half involved the home side pushing forward, winning corners at regular intervals, hitting the crossbar from one of them which was somehow scrambled clear and the keeper standing firm and confidently holding anything that came his way.
The second half was played in much the same way. Sandhurst defended bravely, broke occasionally to ensure the home side stayed on their toes.
Finally on 56 minutes the equaliser. A nice passing move down the right got Jamie Phillips into a crossing position and Owen Tanner glanced home a header giving the keeper no chance. Surely now with half an hour to play they would press home the advantage.
Just one minute later and they found themselves chasing the game again. A moment’s hesitation allowed an attacker a half chance from distance. He took it, driving home from 25 yards with arrow like precision.
Back came the home side. Chances came and went. Shots were blocked and as we entered well into injury time the visitors rubbed salt into the wounds with another rasping shot from 18 yards that flew into the net.
Alton welcome Corinthian Casuals to The Exclusive Networks Stadium this Saturday 23rd November. 3pm kick off.
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