ALTON 4, ANDOVER II 4

ALTON clawed their way back from two goals down to snatch a valuable point in this eventful Hampshire 2 game.

The home team drew first blood when a good piece of play left Stuart Gagen unmarked to beat the keeper.

Andover were soon level, only for Alton to regain the lead when Martin Kercher swept up the loose ball at a short corner and slotted home.

However, an over-enthusiastic attack left Alton exposed in defence and Andover broke away to make it 2-2 at half-time.

The first 20 minutes of the second half did not go well for Alton and they were facing defeat as Andover punished them twice to take a 4-2 lead.

With 15 minutes to go, Alton dug deep and their hard work paid off as Pete Howland got into a good shooting position and made no mistake with his shot.

Time was running out, but Alton’s self-belief had returned and a scramble in the Andover circle ended with Harry Curtis sending a reverse-stick shot looping over the keeper for a dramatic equaliser.