ALTON TN 2, DOWNTON 2

ON the face of it, a draw against fourth-placed Downton was a decent result, but Alton felt they were worth all three points on their second-half display at the Bass Sports Ground last Saturday.

“They had once chance after half-time and scored a great goal – we scored twice and completely dominated the second half,” said Brewers manager Michael Charles. “Even they (Downton) said we should have won.”

Alton were not happy with the goal that put Downton ahead in an even first half, feeling that goalkeeper Mo Nyakunga had been clearly fouled before Dan Telfer put the ball in the net.

The Brewers were not at their best in the first half, but it was a different story after the interval as they took the game to the visitors.

Their determination paid off when Luke Perkins closed down his defender, won the ball and rounded the keeper to score.

Downton had only one serious effort at goal in this half – but it was enough to regain the lead as Declan McGregor beat Nyakunga with a spectacular 30-yard volley.

It was one-way traffic towards the away goal for the rest of the time and amidst numerous corners and free-kicks, Alton drew level again with a set-piece goal.

Substitute Simon Greeves directed a free-kick towards the near post and Simon Wright converted with a close-range shot.

Lee Westbrook and Perkins had chances to win the game as Oli Graham and skipper Sean Hayes drove Alton on from central midfield, but Downton held out under intense pressure.

Perkins’ goal gave manager Charles particular satisfaction. “Luke is young, very fast and talented and he is now changing his game and showing a dogged spirit when playing up front. I’m trying to help him become what I would call a true non-league striker,” added Charles who himself filled that role in his playing days for Met Police, Farnborough, Basingstoke, Poole and AFC Totton amongst other clubs.

“We need to be more consisent,” remarked Michael Charles on Alton’s progress to date. “We’re either a first-half team or a second-half team and our results show that. We need to be good for ninety minutes.”

Alton, seventh in the table, travel to US Portsmouth, another top-five side, this Saturday.

Alton Tn: Nyakunga, Phillips, Wright, Adkins, Greenaway; Graham, Hayes, Peck, Fox; Hunter, Perkins. Subs (used): Greeves, Westbrook, Clarke.