News

Alton 4 - 2 Horley Town

06 JAN 2025

Match report by Tom White, Alton Herald

Alton return to winning ways with impressive Combined Counties Premier Division South win against Horley Town.

First-half goals from Siph Mdalolose, George Bennett, Jamie Hoppitt and Darnell McDonald gave the Brewers the three points at Anstey Park Enclosure.

The home side were quick out of the traps and took the lead in the ninth minute from a set piece.

Adam Poynter’s teasing free kick was headed back across goal and Mdalolose forced the ball over the line from close range.

The Brewers continued to press and nearly doubled their advantage on 12 minutes when Poynter drove forward from midfield and laid the ball off to Mal Thomas, who hit his effort straight at Horley keeper George Hyde.

Owen Tanner then tried his luck for the home side a minute later with an ambitious volley from distance which went wide of the left-hand post.

Alton did double their advantage in the 24th minute and the second came from another free kick as Bennett rose highest to emphatically head home.

The home side continued to create chances and Mdalolose nearly made it 3-0 on 29 minutes with a superb strike which was well tipped over the bar by Hyde.

The third goal arrived two minutes later and it came from another ball into the box as Hoppitt rose highest at the back post to head home into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

The Brewers continued to go on the attack and McDonald hit a powerful left-foot shot from 30 yards in the 42nd minute which fizzed over the crossbar.

McDonald completed a dream first half for Alton when he made it 4-0 in first-half stoppage time when he headed home from close range after a spot of pinball in the Horley penalty area.

Horley pulled a goal back three minutes into the second half when Alton keeper Malachi Owusu’s clearance was charged down by Coby Acquaye and the ball broke to Lewis Pearch who lobbed his effort over the stranded Owusu and into the back of the net.

The Brewers didn’t let the goal knock their confidence and went close to scoring a fifth on 52 minutes when Mdalolose’s free kick went over the bar.

The visitors scored their second of the afternoon in the 73rd minute when Sam Remfry expertly drove his finish into the bottom right-hand corner of the net to make it 4-2.

Horley nearly scored a third on 88 minutes, but Remfry’s low free kick was well held by Owusu.

The visitors went close again a minute later when Acquaye’s powerful shot was parried away by Owusu.

The Brewers managed to see out the rest of the match to end their four-match winless run and pick up a welcome three points.

Alton continue a run of three consecutive home games this Saturday 11th January, when Tadley Calleva will be the visitors to The Exclusive Networks Stadium. 3pm kick off.

Match Highlights from Academy TV