ALTON FC 3, RINGWOOD TN 1

THREE first-half goals were enough to earn Alton all three points in an entertaining game in front of over 100 spectators at The Enclosure.

The Brewers, determined to make amends for the 9-0 drubbing they suffered at the hand of Laverstock the previous week, set a hot pace on the 3G surface and dominated possession, while Ringwood always looked a threat on the break.

The home side took the lead on 20 minutes. Declan Shuttleworth ran onto a through-ball and rounded the keeper before slotting home.

The second goal quickly followed. Curtis Thorn and Ritchie Hunter carved open the defence with a nice interchange on the right side of the box and having stepped inside onto his left foot, Thorn curled a superb shot into the top left-hand corner.

Sam Hutchinson then spotted the Ringwood keeper being off his line and lifted the ball into the net from wide out on the right, giving Alton a clear 3-0 lead just before the break.

Ten minutes into the second half, the New Forest side reduced the deficit when Peter Richmond-Cole took advantage of confusion in the home defence to score from distance.

The Brewers then had to dig in to keep their advantage as Ringwood pushed forward. But Alton regained the initiative and should have put the game to bed as they created numerous oportunities, only to be wasteful in front of goal.

Alton nearly paid the price as another long-range shot crashed off the bar. Had that gone in, it would have been a nervous final five minutes for the Brewers.

Alton were playing in the new kit provided by sponsors Coomers Timber & Building Supplies. Coomers have supported the senior club for many years and are keen to continue the partnership at the refurbished Enclosure in Anstey Lane at the newly formed Alton FC following the merger of Alton Town and Alton United Youth.

Alton Reserves’ unbeaten start to the season continued as they powered to a 7-1 victory at Colden Common in the Wyvern Combination Division One East. Ryan Ayling led the spree with four goals and there was one apiece for Nick Sims, Jamie Owen and Mark Taylor.