TO say this match was scrappy would be an understatement, but Alton got the points on Tuesday night, and that was their main concern after five games without a win.

The pitch was only just playable and defensive effors were unavoidable.

Downton were first to score, but Alton had edged into a 2-1 lead by half-time, thanks to two goals from Jamie Smith – the first a good left-foot shot, the second a close-range finish after an accurate cross from Ian Dyer.

The standard didn't improve after the interval. Downton equalised with a genuinely good finish, new goalkeeper Darren Bridger having no chance.

But Alton's substitutes teamed up to supply the winner in the 75th minute. Simon Chivers stretched the visitors with his pace on the right and squared the ball for Richard Mealey to score from close range.

Alton: D Bridger, Bray, Guy, Larvan, Dyer, Wood, Ventham, Pullman, McGarry (Chivers 70), D Bridger (Mealey 45), Smith. Sub (not used) Edwards.

Darren Bridger, brother of Dave, will be Alton's first-choice goalkeeper as Alton attempt to cement a mid-table position in the final weeks of the season

"Mick Street has filled in well since Steve Sladen left, but we need a specialist 'keeper and I reckon Darren is one of the best around," said manager Dave Hawtin who saw plenty of Bridger in action when they were both at Farnham Town.

Sladen left Alton a month ago to join Wokingham.

Alton now have four successive away fixtures. After visiting Lymington on Saturday, they play a cup-tie at Newbury on Tuesday and then travel to Brockenhurst on Thursday. They are away to Gosport on Saturday, March 22.