ALTON TN 3, LAVERSTOCK & FORD 2 (Sydenhams League Div I)

ALTON Town claimed another notable scalp on the 3G pitch at Anstey Park as third-placed Laverstock & Ford lost out in a hard-fought game.

The clinical finishing of Jonny Gray and top scorer Luke Perkins earned the Brewers a 3-0 lead deep into the second half before Laverstock hit back with two goals of their own in the last ten minutes to set up a tense finish.

Alton played some slick football at times in an even first half, but the final ball was lacking.

Laverstock also had their chances, but it was Alton who scored the only goal of the half.

Curtis Thorn laid a great ball through to Richard Hunter whose shot was saved, but Perkins was there to volley home the rebound from the edge of the box.

The second half was again closely contested, with both sides having chances. Mo Nyamunga stood between Laverstock and an equaliser and the Alton keeper had another outstanding game.

The Brewers eventually doubled their lead when Gray gave the defender no time on the ball, stole it off him and finished calmly in a one-on-one.

And the home side seemed to have the points in the bag when Corey Cherrett’s perfect ball left Gray in another one-on-one with the keeper and again the Alton man came out on top.

But it wasn’t over yet. An injury to Ben Choularton forced manager Michael Charles to re-think his defence and Alton lost their shape.

Laverstock piled on the pressure and scored twice, but Alton held out after a lengthy spell of added time and ultimately reaped the rewards for their earlier good work.

Alton: Nyamunga, Cherrett, Choularton (Wright), Adkins, Shuttleworth, Wareham (Hayes), Graham, Perkins, Hunter (Peck), Thorn, Gray.