LEAGUE leaders Eastleigh were made to work hard for their win on Saturday, but Alton spoiled their good work with defensive howlers.

"Over the last two games we have conceded five sloppy goals and this is particularly disappointing because we have defended quite well since Christmas," said manager Dave Hawtin.

"Overall, we have competed well and I am not too displeased," he added, no doubt mindful of the fact that Alton have already achieved quite a lot in their first season in the Jewson Wessex League.

The Eastleigh game turned on an incident right at the start of the second half.

Quick-thinking Eastleigh forward Robbie Matthews spotted that Mickey Street had strayed off his line and launched a speculative shot from the halfway line that sailed over the stranded 'keeper and into the net.

Only one goal down at the break, Alton had fancied their chances, with the near grassless Bass Sports Ground pitch turning the match into something of a lottery.

But the freakish goal stunned the home players and supporters.

Alton, still smarting after their midweek defeat, began brightly and could have taken the lead when Dave Bridger broke clear, only to be thwarted by the goalkeeper's feet.

The game was very even as the home side sought to exploit the lack of pace in the Eastleigh rearguard.

But it was the visitors who struck first after 25 minutes when the ball was allowed to drop in the box, leaving new signing Nicky Banger with a simple chance to score.

Danny McGarry, making his comeback after breaking a bone in his foot at Christmas, carved out two decent chances after some good work down the right, his second effort being cleared off the line with the 'keeper well beaten.

Matthews' remarkable goal jolted the confidence of the Alton players whose response was competitive, but muted.

Eastleigh's third and decisive goal came when the home defence failed to deal with a long through-ball. An intended backpass failed to reach its target and Banger, a former Woking player, finished superbly from a difficult angle.

Alton remained defiant and two excellent free-kicks from distance by Ian Dyer were brilliantly saved by Eastleigh's giant goalkeeper at the expense of corners .

Alton's scant reward for a spirited performance was a well-taken late goal. Substitute Richard Mealey rounded his marker and set up Clive Ventham who finished in style from 10 yards.

Alton Tn: Street, Larvan, Bray, Chivers (Williams 70 mins), Dyer, Ventham, Pullman, Edwards, McGarry (Guy 70 mins), Smith (Mealey 70 mins, Bridger.

MONEYFIELDS 4,

ALTON TN 3

On a freezing Tuesday night, with the pitch just about playable, Moneyfield dominated most of the game and deservedly took three points.

But Alton will kick themselves for allowing a 3-1 lead to disappear in the last 20 minutes.

Alton were behind after 15 minutes, but then turned the game upside down with three quality goals before half-time.

John Edwards equalised, finishing well from close range after an excellent Dave Bridger cross. Then Ian Dyer crashed home a half-volley when goalkeeper Mickey Street's huge clearance dropped over the home defenders.

Bridger latched on to Clive Ventham's through-ball and neatly lobbed the 'keeper, giving Alton a healthy lead at the interval.

But Moneyfields kept their heads and, in the second half, the game changed as dramatically as it had earlier on.

Just as Alton seemed to be weathering the storm, they conceded two poor goals in goalmouth scrambles during a five-minute spell midway through the half.

Panic set in and rushed clearances and mis-kicks allowed Moneyfields to retain the initiative. With 10 minutes to go, Street was beaten on his near post and Moneyfields had won a truly see-saw battle.

Alton meet up with their former manager, John Robson, when they travel to AFC Totton this Saturday. Robson saw his new charges beat AFC Newbury 4-0 on Tuesday.