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Camberley Town 2 - 2 Alton

28 Dec 2024

Match report by Dave Hawtin

This game came to life in the second half. From the outset the pitch was likely to be a challenge with a considerable slope and lifeless surface it’s a tough place to go.

There was nothing between the two sides in the first half and neither keeper was called upon to any great extent.

If it felt like the visitors had done well to defend the slope in the first half that was all to change quickly in the second half.

The home side pressed from the restart and built momentum dominating territory before they deservedly took the lead after 53 minutes. A shot from distance on the angle finding the back of the net.

Alton now had to dig in as a header at the back post should have extended the lead.

Then an incident that probably changed the course of the match. The right sided attacker chased a ball into the corner of the penalty area and appeared to be blatantly fouled by the visiting keeper who had committed when it never looked likely he could win the ball. To everyone’s amazement the officials gave Alton a goal kick. Had the referee been influenced by a decision slightly earlier when the Camberley keeper naively collided with an Alton attacker when attempting to collect a cross? The first one was debatable but the second one was nailed on.

As often happens in these scenarios Alton then promptly scored twice in a five minute spell to the turn the game on its head both from substitute Jamie Hoppitt who was in the right place to finish from close range on both occasions.

Back came the home side who missed what looked like a sitter from six yards as another cross found an unmarked attacker. Was this to be Alton’s day?

Sadly not as five minutes from time another shot from distance found the back of the net to complete the scoring.

The home side will justifiably be aggrieved at the outcome as during an entertaining second half they missed a couple of gilt edge chances and should have been awarded a penalty.

Alton can look at another late goal conceded to deny them the win but this felt like a point gained.

The New Year starts with action at home this Saturday 4th January, when Horley Town will be the visitors to The Exclusive Networks Stadium. 3pm kick off.

Match Highlights from Academy TV