Tuesday night saw Alton take a side to Bordon for a hastily arranged friendly, we would like to thank the SEME for arranging this and their hospitality. I am sure the fixture may be reversed and we can entertain the Army side.

The game gave the club an excellent chance to get minutes for players and have a look at players that are pushing for first team places from the reserves. It was good to see Ian Humble and Craig Read on the pitch after both had suffered from long term injuries.

Alton started really well and under the instruction from Flan on the side line moved the ball well and very quickly. This resulted in Alton taking an early lead after a good move Tony Lumb latched onto the ball and fired in from 12 yards. This set the tone for the first half and Alton doubled the lead when Ryan Warner found team mate Ryan Justice on the edge of the area and his shot went in of the post. Alton did concede right on half time when confusion in the penalty area, left the SEME forward with a tap in from close range.

The second half started poorly with Alton gifting the home side with an equalizer, after Paul Thorneycroft in goal let the ball slip through his hands. The next 15 minutes saw the home side dominate and Thorneycroft made a stunning save from a header from close range. This seemed to spur Alton on and with changes being made, Alton again took the lead through Simba. With the game getting stretched the visitors took control but could not score the fourth and paid for that when a goal mouth scramble occurred and SEME forward turned the lose ball in.

This was a great work out for the club, with 16 outfield players and two keepers getting a good run out. And lots of positives including Tony Lumb and Ryan Justice both performing well.

Clive Ventham, First Team Manager