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Chipstead 1 - 2 Alton

11 FEB 2025

Match report by Dave Hawtin

An injury time winner forced home by Ed Dryden deservedly gave Alton all three points on Saturday.

The pitch was a huge challenge for both sides, moving the ball on the floor was risky in your own half and lifting it appeared to be almost impossible as the pitch appeared to have magnetic properties that would not allow the ball to be released.

All in all that ensured that this was going to be an attritional battle from the start, made all the harder for the visitors when the home side took the lead as early as the 7th minute.

Alton dug in and with Matt Benham leading by example they managed to get themselves back into the game, marginally having the better of the rest of the first half, where goal scoring chances were at a premium.

The visitors came out quickly at the start of the second half and should have equalised just minutes in. Benham found space 20 yards out and his shot was parried out to Mdlalose who with the goal at his mercy somehow missed the target.

Alton were now dominant and creating chances at regular intervals but resolute defending in numbers by Chipstead kept them at bay until the 65th minute. Mdlalose redeemed himself with a smart finish with his left foot when he found himself one on one with the keeper.

With the home side now pushing for a winner and continuing to threaten they were nearly undone 10 minutes from time when the home side contrived a rare break. Debutant keeper Hone did enough to force a raiding striker to clip his shot wide when in on goal.

Back came the visitors forcing two more saves from the Chipstead keeper who appeared to be struggling with a knock as he had received treatment on three occasions during the game.

Finally what proved to be the winner came during a goalmouth scramble that had numerous shots on goal blocked. Dryden finally forcing the ball home.

Chipstead forced a couple of corners very late in the game but when the final whistle came the visitors were deserving winners.

Alton worked hard to a man, tried to play when they could and definitely dominated the possession and territory stats in difficult conditions.

Alton entertain Cove tonight (Tuesday) for a mid-season friendly, followed by a return to league action at home this Saturday 15th, when league leaders Redhill will be the visitors to The Exclusive Networks Stadium. Kick off 3pm.

Match Highlights from Academy TV