02 Dec 2024
Match report by Dave Hawtin
A welcome and deserved three points for Alton on Saturday, even if they did put the home crowd through some anxious moments late in the game.
They might have lead on 11 minutes when a slick break down the right ended with Adam Poynter volleying just over the bar from 10 yards.
With the home side dominating, a desperate challenge in the box blocked a goal bound shot from Mal Thomas after the visitors defence was again breached down the right.
Russell was next to be thwarted, this time by a really good save by the keeper before eventually Alton gained the lead. Owen Tanner reacted quickest to a wayward pass, strode forward and shot home from 18 yards.
The home keeper was rarely troubled but he had to be alert to gather a free kick at the near post.
Still time for the home side to create another opportunity with Tom Hill shooting just over.
Alton deservedly extended the lead on 50 minutes. Marshall and Russell linked up to find Tanner in the box and he turned his marker before shooting into the far corner of the net.
Alton were now well on top but somehow found themselves pegged back just after the hour. An error in judgement by the home keeper allowed Chipstead a simple goal.
The last 25 minutes was broken up by some niggly fouls which suited the visitors most and stopped the flow of the game which still had Alton dominating.
An overdue win that was reward for the home side who continued to play and work hard having been on the wrong end of some tough luck for some time now.
Alton have a week without a game and are next in action away at Sheerwater on Saturday 14th December.