Alton battled to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Christchurch on a hot Saturday afternoon at the Anstey Park Enclosure.

Clear chances on the day were few and far between in the Wessex League Premier Division clash, as the majority of the game was played between the two penalty areas.

Midway through the half Alton threatened twice down the right flank, Rob Carr and Ritchie Hunter combining only for the keeper to gather well at the near post.

When Carr drilled a free kick into the far post, the ball played pinball and a desperate last touch from a defender cleared the ball away.

At half-time Alton had to reorganise as they lost Ed Dryden to a knock before the break.

George Bowerman came on up front and Steve Black dropped back into midfield.

The appearance of the Red Arrows overhead twice in quick succession seemed to lift the energy of the players and the two major incidents in the game took place in the last 20 minutes.

A high bouncing ball into the Alton penalty area always favoured the home keeper, but a Christchurch striker collided with him with his feet high.

Both players were hurt in the collision with the striker coming off worse and eventually having to seek hospital treatment for a leg injury. While the Alton camp were hoping he was not badly injured, they felt he was very fortunate to receive only a yellow card.

Henry Woodcock in the home goal battled on – and his reward was seeing his side take the lead after 85 minutes.

Momentary hesitation and a lapse in concentration by the last defender was pounced on by the ever-alert Carr, who nicked the ball away from him and strode toward goal. Still with a lot to do, he sweetly stroked the ball into the far corner to the delight of his colleagues and the home crowd.

Alton confidently saw out the extended injury time without incident and recorded a fine win against one of the most consistent sides in the Wessex Premier League.

Alton continued their impressive start to the new season with a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Alresford Town on Tuesday night.

The game turned on 35 minutes when a home striker was sent off after an incident with Alton full-back Jamie Phillips.

The winning goal was scored in the 75th minute. Dylan Riley broke up an attack and strode forward into the Alresford half, and slipped the ball to Jack Fowler on the right.

Fowler drove forward and found George Bowerman, who let the ball run across his body into the path of young Andy Coulson on the edge of the box, who swept a first-time shot into the net.