With this victory Alton Reserves have climbed to the top of the Wyvern East League, and again managed to put on an entertaining show for the crowds that are increasing. This was a hard fought victory against tough opposition who were 3rd in the table before this fixture.

The home side got off to the ideal start with Ryan Aylin, netting on his debut after 45 seconds. His first goal for the club was a tap in after the visitors had failed to clear a cross from Ian Dyer and Aylin pounced from close range. Before anybody could draw breath and perhaps with the home side expecting an easy ride for the rest of the afternoon the visitors struck back.

Alton failed to deal properly with a cross from the right and the ball fell to a Hayling midfielder who smashed the ball home from 20 yards, this all happening in the first four minutes. Alton did manage to retain there composure and started to move the ball quicker and with the constant threat and good movement from Ryan and Luke Perkins up front Alton always threatened.

The next goal was not far away, with Ryan picking up the ball on the edge of the area, he cut across the box unchallenged and drilled a left footed shot into the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance. Hayling to there credit kept playing and created a good chance, but could not beat Moody in the Alton goal.

The third goal came again from a great run from Aylin found with a pin point pass from Jason Grenham, he showed great awareness and appreciation as he drew the keeper out and slipped the ball to strike partner Perkins who slotted into the empty net.

The best of the goals in the opening half was still to come, but between goals Alton began to move the ball quickly and with purpose and had the benefit of Ian Dyer and James Hammond who could not make the early start for the first team. The fourth goal came after Dyer spotted another good run from Aylin, who allowed the ball to drop over his shoulder and unleash a screamer from fully 20 yards into the top corner.

Half Time Alton Town Res. 4 - 1 Haling United Res.

The visitors changed their shape slightly and with the home side perhaps thinking the game was won, the visitors applied the pressure early on. They made the pressure tell 10 minutes into the half when the home defence failed to catch the Hayling forward offside (vice captain thinking he was still centre half) and the forward finished well shooting past the on rushing Shane Moody. This put the home side on the back foot and the visitors had a good chance again soon after, but the forward shot over when well placed.

To be fair the home side dug in and managed to regain a foot hold in the game, but with the back four of Haigh, Brewster, Hammond and Winslade all being severally tested. Alton then made sure of the game when Aylin again latched on to a ball from Jack Jones and squared to Dyer who slotted home from close range. Alton then made regular changes with Cresswell, Giles & Tigere all getting time on the pitch. Both sides continued to push forward and create chances but with no addition to the score line.

Alton: Moody, Winslade (vice), Haigh, Hammond (Giles 75mins), Brewster (cramp), Grenham, Johnston, Jones, Dyer, Perkins (Cresswell 65 mins), Aylin (Tigere 80 Mins).

Another satisfying performance with work rate and quality all around the park. We have managed to get to top of table and we are there to be shot at. So need to keep committment up and continue to show the attitude that has got us there. This means making training sessions and CLUB FUNCTION Saturday.