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Alton 1 - 3 Horley Town

23 Nov 2025

Match report by Dave Hawtin

More frustration for Alton on Saturday afternoon as their second half performance let them down in the poor weather at The Exclusive Networks Stadium.

The home side came out of the traps really quickly and dominated; the opposition rode their luck for the first 10 minutes and may well have been a goal or two behind in those very early stages.

Then on 11 minutes they somehow found themselves ahead in what was their first incursion into the home side's half. A couple of defensive blocks kept falling for the attacking side and at the third attempt the ball was slotted home.

Back came the home side and they were level six minutes later. Angel Zapata reacted quickly to the bounce and when through on goal he belted the ball home from 12 yards.

As the weather closed in it was still Alton who were dominating the ball and territory. Then as has been their misfortune recently again they went behind. A long ball forward was not dealt with effectively and the defensive header wrong footed everyone bar the second striker who gleefully slotted home under no pressure.

Having been the better side in the first half, the expectation was that the home side would get right back into this game. That said effectively the game as over on 55 minutes. A speculative shot from long range found the top corner of the net, most were surprised including the visiting player who launched the ball forward. You could see and feel the confidence drain from the players and spectators given our run of form and luck at the moment.

This is a difficult period for the players at the moment, confidence is understandably low but this group are definitely better than their current league position, but they will have to prove it by continuing to work hard both individually and collectively to earn the luck that has been deserting them recently.

Alton travel to Camberley Town on Saturday, before returning home next Tuesday 2nd December for the League Cup, when Reading City will be the visitors to the Exclusive Networks Stadium. 7.45pm kick-off.