SOUTHAMPTON II 5, ALTON 2

ALTON put up a brave fight against Hampshire 2 high-flyers Southampton II and the score didn’t really do justice to their efforts.

Setting a hot pace at the start, Alton camped in the home half for the first 15 minutes, but the final ball was lacking as they pushed for the breakthrough.

Then Southampton started to ask questions of Alton’s defence and their dangerous breaks brought them the first goal.

Alton responded well and their hard work paid off. A penalty corner was well defended by the home side, but they could not clear their lines and Stuart Gagen scored with a clean strike.

Things looked hopeful for the yellows at that stage, but a bad few minutes cost them dearly as Southampton surged into a 3-1 lead at half-time.

Alton remained positive, though, and again imposed themselves on the game. With strong performances in midfield by Harry Curtis, Pete Howland and Martin Kercher, the visitors won a string of short corners.

After several failed attempts, Alton made one pay as Gagen picked up a rebound from the keeper’s pads to score.

Alton kept up the pressure, but again the final pass was missing in the circle. Southampton restored their two-goal cushion from another penalty corner as the shot bisected Lawrence Jones and Luke Bottomley, and a late fifth goal sealed the win.

Alton return to Amery Hill this Saturday for another tough game against Isle of Wight, who are currently third in the table.