Alton Town are strongly placed to win the league after their latest victory on Saturday, but manager John Robson is certainly not counting any chickens.

"If I'm honest, I put us third favourites behind East Cowes and Winchester City because there's such a long way to go."

Although they are three points off the lead with a game in hand, Robson thinks that Alton do not have the same depth of strength as East Cowes or Winchester City.

Third-placed Winchester are on a spending spree and have signed several players in their final push for the title.

Alton do not have the same resources and, on Saturday, had to again ask outfielder Micky Street to play in goal as cover for the injured Darren Bach.

"Given the circumstances, it was a great result. Our work-rate was phenonemal," said Robson.

The circumstances included an awful playing surface and a period of uncertainty that the game would go ahead as tractors were brought in to shore up the netting behind the Horndean goal posts.

But the referee was satisfied in the end and Alton responded with a brilliant first-half display.

On 15 minutes, it was business as usual. Ian Dyer supplied a great ball from the left and Steve Poulton poached a typical predator's goal.

Ten minutes later, Poulton was on target again after a neat one-two with fellow forward Jamie Smith, and Alton were looking good for a goal feast.

It didn't work out like that because Alton, perhaps running out of steam in the testing conditions, took their foot off the pedal in the second half.

Horndean enjoyed more pressure, but posed little threat to a disciplined Alton back four, well marshalled by skipper Andy Sharratt.

Dave Goss, signed from Bashley just three days before, made an outstanding debut for Town. A big, muscular central defender, he looks to be an excellent acquisition.

Alton's superb unbeaten run extends to 13 games. This Saturday, they entertain local rivals Petersfield.

Alton Town: Street, Lloyd, Sharratt, Guy, Goss, Dinhan, Dyer, Savage, C Ventham, Smith, Poulton. Subs (all used) Dando, Francis, Ward.