Alton have been short of match practice in the early weeks of the season, but got into their stride with two league victories in the space of four days.

After beating Locks Heath 3-2 in an eventful midweek encounter, Alton followed up with a valuable away victory on Saturday, although the 2-0 result was better than the actual performance.

Ten players were booked in a game that was physical, but certainly not dirty. Some of the yellow cards seemed petty and with all the interruptions, the play never really flowed.

But the match came to life 15 minutes into the second half when skipper Clive Ventham scored a very good goal.

Nick Guy and Andy Sharratt were again solid at the back and 'keeper Cole had little to do.

It was good to see Gareth Billington back in the side and looking comfortable at right-back.

Alton failed to capitalise on some excellent crosses from the left by Ian Dyer, but eventually Mark Fifer capped a fine individual performance with a well-taken goal to make certain of the points.

Four matches, four wins – a superb start to the league campaign for Alton.

Alton Town 3, Locks Heath 2. Alton made a bright start to this entertaining five-goal tussle.

Clive Ventham and Mark Clothier dominated the midfield for 20 minutes, finding their forwards with accurate passes. The pressure paid off with a well-taken goal by Jamie Smith, following good work by Dyer and Clothier.

Dave Larvan almost made it two, his clever lob beating the advancing 'keeper but drifting agonisingly wide of the upright.

Alton then became sloppy and handed the initiative to Locks Heath who scrambled in an equaliser after three corners in quick succession.

The home team looked more determined at the start of the second half and regained the lead with a fine goal. Clothier ran from just inside his own half and put over a low cross for Jamie Smith to score with a diving header.

Then Larvan made amends for his earlier miss, bravely following up after his initial shot had been blocked to force in the third goal.

Locks Heath's second goal came from the penalty spot, after Neil Morant had made what looked to be a fair challenge.