Alton manager Kevin Adair was delighted that his side effectively sealed their Combined Counties Premier Division South safety with Saturday’s 4-1 win at Horley Town – but has expressed his concern that his side might be moved back to the Wessex League this summer.

The Brewers were moved from the Wessex League to the Combined Counties last summer, and started this season slowly as they adjusted to their new surroundings.

Adair is hoping to avoid a repeat this summer.

“We’ve got to plan for next season,” he said. “They moved us from the Wessex to the Combined Counties last year, and we didn’t get the league fixtures until quite late. Last time it caught us on the hop.

“When you’ve been moved once you should not have to move again for five years. I’ve heard whispers we might be moved again. It should be someone else – we want to build something here.”

On the pitch, Alton moved 12 points clear of second-bottom Banstead Athletic with Saturday’s 4-1 win at Horley.

Siph Mdlalose gave Alton the lead on 39 minutes.

The Brewers then won a penalty just before half-time. Trevor Caborn’s effort was pushed away by the Horley keeper, but Ed Dryden headed home from the resulting corner.

Matt Graham scored from the penalty spot on 71 minutes to make it 3-0, before Caborn made it four on 75 minutes. Lynden McGugan pulled a goal back for Horley on 89 minutes.

“It was a good performance,” said Adair. “We were effective.

“We were up for it from the word go. We were the better side within two minutes and Horley did things differently to what we expected.

“We don’t adjust what we do to suit other teams – but when other teams change for you, that’s a positive for the group. The lads believe in what we do.

“Our form since the turn of the year has been far better.

“The first half of the season was difficult, but now we set up the way we play and people have to adapt to it if they’re coming into the side.

“Sometimes in this league you have to be more direct. Other teams in the league bypass the midfield and get the ball forward – it’s effective.”

Next up for Alton is a home game against AFC Croydon Athletic on Saturday (3pm).

“It’s our last home game of the season and we’ll go into it looking to get three points – which would take us past 40 points,” said Adair. “With the league move, to be near to mid-table is an okay season.”