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Alton 1 - 2 Abbey Rangers

29 SEP 2025

Match report by Dave Hawtin

A much improved second half performance from the home side was just not enough to rescue a point after a disappointing first half display left them chasing the game.

It all started so well when Nash struck the crossbar with just a minute on the clock and the home side were well on top.

Having ridden the early storm it was Abbey who snatched the lead on 20 minutes with a slick finish.

Chances were created at either end but the home side were sucker punched on 44 minutes as a wide player skipped past a square defence to comfortably beat the keeper. Mountain to climb in the second half.

Alton showed character to start the second half well and deservedly pulled a goal back on the hour. Skipper Alex Merrifield heading home at the back post.

Just a minute later and huge controversy as Alton are denied an equaliser. The referee blew his whistle and signalled to allow a free kick to be delivered into the penalty area which was thumped home at the back post but he quickly reverersed the decision when he realised he had allowed the linesman on the attacking side to manage a substitution for the visitors who were attempting to replace a player who was walking a disciplinary tightrope. Said player might well have received a second booking seconds earlier and was quickly replaced.

Alton were dominating territory and both Zapata and Millo had good chances to draw their side level but just failed to convert.

A tough defeat to stomach and respect to the referee who went out of his way to apologise for the confusion during the incident in the second half.

Alton travel to Knaphill this Saturday before a run of four consequtive home games.

Match Highlights from Academy TV