Given the demands on their small first-team squad, Alton were satisfied with seven points out of nine from three matches in six days.

They failed to hold top position after the thrilling draw with Winchester City on Easter Monday, but are just one point off the lead with a game in hand.

Leaders East Cowes Victoria lost 2-0 at Poole on Saturday, but regained the lead with Monday's 1-0 win over Brading.

Alton manager John Robson praised his side for their durability and was particularly pleased with the character they showed in holding big spenders Winchester City.

"But our hardest game of the season will be next Saturday when we play Poole," Robson declared. "If we win that, we will win the league."

Third-placed Poole are top of the 'form league' at present, having won seven of their last eight games. As usual, they have strengthened their side for the final run-in.

The Winchester game, placed at hurricane pace, was full of incident and goals – almost like a cup-tie. The 150-plus spectators certainly got their money's worth.

The visitors were lucky with the first goal, Andy Sharratt's clearance hitting one of his own players to set up an easy chance.

Although City edged the first half, Dave Goss and Neil Morant were outstanding at the back for Alton. Ten minutes from the break, Alton won a fortunate penalty, but Jamie Smith put his kick straight at the 'keeper. It was Smith's first penalty miss for Alton.

However, Smith made up for the miss when he converted Ian Dyer's pinpoint cross at the near post

Findlay restored City's lead before the interval, but Alton had the slope advantage for the second half and threw everything at the visitors.

Alton had to make a double substitution in this gruelling encounter and Mark Clothier made a spectacular return after a long lay-off.

Robbie Savage set him up and Clothier, waiting until the ball sat up just right, struck a 30-yard volley that almost burst the net.

But the pace of the Winchester forwards was stretching the home defenders to the full and when Findlay scored his second goal with 10 minutes left, Alton were staring defeat in the face.

But Town rolled up their sleeves and dug into their reserves of strength. Smith, picking up a pass from Savage, lobbed a beautiful ball to Steve Poulton and that deadly finisher was never going to miss from 12 yards.

Both sides could have snatched victory in the dying seconds, with Darren Bach making a great save to keep Alton's title hopes alive.

Alton Town 2, Andover New Street 0. Alton were below-par on Saturday, but still came up with two goals and three points. Goalkeeper Micky Street was kept busy early on and was perhaps lucky not to concede a penalty when he dived at a forward's feet.

Again, some Alton players were carrying injuries and defender Nick Guy eventually had to go off with a groin strain.

Jamie Smith headed in an Ian Dyer free-kick to give Alton the lead shortly before half-time.

Andover then defended heroically under increasing pressure until, with three minutes to go, Smith rose majestically to head in an inswinging corner.

Aldermaston 1, Alton Town 4. It was 1-1 with 14 minutes remaining, but Alton, having missed numerous chances in this midweek match, suddenly found their scoring touch and overwhelmed Aldermaston in the closing stages.

Dave Goss showed his forwards how to score with a powerful header. Robbie Savage punished a goalkeeping error to make it 3-1 and Steve Poulton, who had earlier hit the crossbar, wrapped it up with the fourth goal.

Earlier, Jamie Smith's goal had been cancelled out by Clark before half-time.