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Horley Town 2 - 0 Alton

06 Apr 2026

Match report by Dave Hawtin

Two goals midway through the second half were enough to secure the 3 points for play off chasing Horley.

With a blustery wind blowing straight down the pitch on a challenging surface it was the visitors who had the better of the first 35 minutes with the best of the possession and territory, both Beattie and Darwysh down the flanks were causing problems but the visitors were unable to turn that threat into a real goal scoring chance.

As we entered the last stages of the half, the home side pressed and were denied by two great blocks by Balfour in the visitors goal.

Better from the young man was to come right on half time when Horley were awarded a penalty. Balfour dived full length to his left to make the save. All square at the break.

The home side who really needed three points to stay in contention for the play offs, certainly came out with more purpose in the second half and used their size advantage and experience to good effect.

The deadlock was broken on 66 minutes when that height advantage paid off. A free kick from wide was delivered to the back post and well headed home.

Any hopes for the visitors of getting back into the game appeared to be dashed in the 74th minute when Horley extended their lead. A striker broke clear, Balfour blocked the initial shot only for the ball to fall invitingly back to him to slot home.

Whitby had a strike from inside the box brilliantly saved by the home keeper as the visitors pressed for a breakthrough and had three loud appeals for penalties turned down by the referee in the last 15 minutes alone.

Seven teenagers started this game for Alton and they did not look out of place against a more experienced and physically bigger side who were motivated by the need to gain three points. In the first half they were the better side and showed some real quality.