AFTER failing to gain a point in December, Alton started the new year on the right foot with an efficient win over Brockenhurst.

"The pitch was awful and we were lucky to get the game on, so I was happy with three points," said manager Dave Hawtin.

But Alton's victory came at a cost on Saturday.

The luckless Jayme Sporton was stretchered off on the half-hour, having fallen awkwardly after winning a good header.

The midfielder has aggravated an old back injury and Alton fear that he faces another long spell on the sidelines.

The uneven pitch was to blame for Lewis Field having to withdraw with a tweaked hamstring after half-time, but Alton are hopeful that his injury will not be too serious.

The bobbly pitch notwithstanding, Alton dominated the first half and, with the help of some good fortune, had the game wrapped up by half-time.

After 15 minutes, Dave Bridger played in a dangerous cross and a Brockenhurst defender kindly deflected the ball into the top corner.

However, there was no denying the quality of Alton's second goal that ended a barren spell for Bridger.

Field's defence-splitting pass sent Bridger clear and he neatly drew the 'keeper before slotting home – the perfect finish in a one-on-one situation.

At the other end, Micky Street, again standing in for the unavailable Steve Sladen, made one excellent diving save before the home side again extended their lead.

Brian Wood, who had just come on for Sporton, was rewarded for his perseverance as he chased the ball up to the corner-flag on the right. His cross had pace and direction and looped into the top corner, completely beating the goalkeeper. Shades of Seaman!

The second half was rather an anticlimax as Alton, having to regroup after the injuries, settled for what they had.

Brockenhurst missed a couple of good openings and Street made another fine save.

But Alton, in general, looked pretty solid at the back, with Simon Chivers, Nick Guy and Steve Larvan playing with a good understanding in the middle.

Wood, John Edwards and Bridger wasted decent chances to add to Alton's lead. And now competition for places in attack looks set to increase because Hawtin is close to finalising the transfer of Jamie Smith back from Winchester City.

News that City had dispensed with the services of manager John Robson opened the way for Alton to move in for Smith. The young striker scored a stack of goals for Alton last season before following Robson to Winchester.

Robson's unexplained sacking by the wealthy City club appears bizarre in the extreme. Unbeaten this season, they are top of the Hampshire Premier League with 17 wins out of 18 games.

Alton Town: Street, Chivers, Guy, Larvan, Pullman, Sporton (Wood 30 mins), Ventham, Field (Frisby 60 mins), Dyer, Bridger, Edwards. Sub (not used) Bray.