ALTON FC 2, HYTHE & DIBDEN 1

ALTON came from a goal down to complete a league double over Hythe & Dibden on Tuesday night.

Hythe started brightly on the 3G pitch and Matt Petts had to pull off an early save from Luke Watts. The visitors continued to cause problems down the left and it was no real surprise when Dan Gain broke away and cut inside to give Petts no chance and put Hythe in front.

The alert Petts made an important save from Lewis Danquah before Alton started to get into their stride.

The Brewers drew level when Jack Chandler’s header from a Danny Knee cross was only parried by the keeper and in the ensuing scramble, the ball fell to Scott Sanderson who shot home from 12 yards.

Alton were beginning to take control. Knee shot wide when maybe a pass inside would have been better, and then Sanderson, after turning his defender, set up Joe Clarke who shot just over the bar.

It wasn’t all one-way traffic, though, and Alton were nearly caught cold at the start of the second half, Petts again coming to the rescue.

Both sides had decent openings. A Knee free-kick looked destined for the top corner, but Jo Tessam somehow got back to head clear with his keeper stranded. At the other end, Rob Haig scrambled back to clear off the line after Hythe had sprung the offside trap.

Knee was again involved when Alton scored the decisive goal, breaking away down the right and crossing to Ryan Thomas whose first-time shot gave keeper Jamie Bruce no chance.

Alton really upped their game now. Substitute Jake Channon, Knee and Clarke all went close, while Knee was adjudged to have dived rather than been fouled as he attempted to go round the keeper.

Tessem and Parker-Trott had chances to save the game for Hythe, but in the end it was a hard-fought three points for Alton. This Saturday, they visit Folland Sports who prop up the Sydenhams League Division One.

Alton: Petts, Allaway, Graham, Thomas, Williams, Haig, Knee, Chandler, Sanderson, Clarke, Burch. Subs: Channon (used), Corbett, Taylor.