The first pre-season friendly took place on Saturday afternoon at a scorching Bass Sports Ground.

Godalming from one league higher than Alton were the better side during the first half and were physically a much bigger outfit. Having gone close on a couple of occassions the visitors took the lead early on with a well struck shot from 25 yards but they failed to capitalise on their possession and decision making when in goal scoring positions.

That said the home side played some good football and Preston and Lowley down the flanks caused enough problems to the Godalming defenders to suggest that they could stay in the game. In fact Lowley's sweet strike on the half volley from the edge of the box bought an excellent safe from the keeper when it flew towards the top right hand corner.

The second half was much more competitive as the sun and numerouse changes took their toll, the game was turned on its head as Aton gained confidence and after threatening on numerous occassions scored twice in 10 minutes. Substitutes Mlambo and Gray combined well, the later unselfishly presented Mlambo with a simple tap in after breaking clear on the right and Carl Saunders drilled in a great goal from 20 yards. The home side were now well on top as 3 weeks training held them in good stead as there more senior opponents continued to wilt in the relentless heat.

They should have finished the game as a contest as Preston, Knight, Gray and Mlambo rang amok as Alton poured forward. Harsh lessons were to be learnt as 3 glorious chances were neglectfully wasted, Godalming broke clear and a penalty awarded and scored to leval the game.

The decent crowd were entertained throughout and when Godalming were awarded a second penalty with minutes to go how apt that lasts years young youth keeper Mo Nyamunga should fling himself to the left and push the ball to safety to earn the home side a creditable draw.