News

Alton 1 - 1 Swindon Supermarine

18 AUG 2025

Match report by Dave Hawtin

If you are a regular Alton fan and were in attendance on Saturday you will definitely have experienced déjà vu as for the second season running Alton succumbed to an injury time equaliser in the FA Cup having spent most of the game playing against 10 men.

The home side were quickest out of the blocks; Rugman had a fierce shot pushed away before MacAllister was thwarted by a fine save.

The visitors then survived a strong shout for a second yellow card and subsequently a sending off as Macallister was dumped unceremoniously on the ground by a reckless challenge that was definitely deserving of that sanction.

Immediately the referee's error was recognised by the visitor's management team who took the opportunity to substitute the culprit. From the restart Alton took the lead. Merrifield with a well-directed header from a long throw into the box. 10 minutes later and the visitors were reduced to 10 men. Another reckless challenge in the middle of the park and this time the referee did not hesitate to issue a straight red card.

Alton led at the break and now had that numerical advantage to look forward to.

The home side had opportunities to put the tie out of sight, but the visiting keeper was constantly alert and handled everything directed at him really well.

As the game entered the later stages the visitors grew in confidence, even with a man down they were now dominating possession and territory and looked very threatening.

The game entered added on time and the home side were struggling to clear their lines and from one such clearance Adam Melville in the home goal made a great save pushing a close range shot wide for a corner.

From that corner came that equaliser; a header at the back post was well directed back across goal defating players, management and supporters alike.

Alton travel to Swindon tonight for the replay.

Match Highlights from Academy TV