This was a miserable weekend for all involved with the club on the playing side, whilst we did not deserve to win this game the scoreline was not a fair reflection on the 90 minutes. Although all credit to our visitors who are no doubt the strongest opposition we have come up against so far.

The game started with the visitors enjoying more of the ball and being quicker to react to any loose balls, that said chances were few and far between. The home side welcomed Jack Burns back to the heart of its defence after another spell travelling. Alton looked comfortable until the 15 minute when a ball to the far post eluded the home sides right back (who may have had to much turkey over Christmas) but thankfully the Hamble forward missed the target. Alton eventually started to move the ball quicker and the constant movement of Perkins and Ayling looked as if it could be a threat, but the first and best chance came when an off side flag was waved away, and Jack Jones got to the bye line but could not pick out any of the Alton players who had made good ground. The next chance for Alton was another good cross from the right which eluded everybody in the area. The decisive and match changing goal came just before half time when like Jones and Lindegaard (Man Utd V Newcastle) our Vice skipper and keeper exchanged a hand shake on the edge of the area whilst the headed back pass trickled into the empty net.

Half Time: Alton Town Res. 0 - 1 G E Hamble Res.

After words of encouragement and wisdom at half time, Alton again started the second half slowly(obviously these did not work H ). But this time they paid as the visitors increased there lead 10 minutes into the second half, when they were able to cross to easily from the right and the Hamble forward nipped in, before the home defence could react. Alton to there credit did respond well and enjoyed a good spell again but failed to really test the visiting keeper. With Alton still in the game and building up a head of steam, the referee who had been pretty good awarded a penalty and booked the Alton keeper for a foul from a corner. Generally you can see from players reaction if there is a penalty shout and there was not one call from the Hamble side, also if he is to blow up for any contact then there would be penalties at every corner. The subsequent penalty was dispatched and the game over at 3-0. Alton made three changes with Evans, Aaron & Ant coming on, then to sum up the day Alton finished with ten men as Aaron had to come of after a clash of heads.

Alton Town Res: Moody, Ventham (Giles), Brewster, Burns, Winslade, Johnston< Moore, Jones, Ayling, Perkins (Tigere), Booker(Cresswell).

Yes the better side won on the day, but we would have fancied our chances if the freakish first goal had not been conceded. Added to that the lack of matches over the last 8 – 10 weeks has not helped, but as usual we could not fault anybody for work rate again, although maybe players became a little tired after Dave H and his warm up which was a little like pre season training.

We need to get back training this week and to wining ways hopefully next week. In the meantime we all are behind Kevin & Kester with the first team, and wish them all the best and will support them in anyway possible.