ALRESFORD TOWN 2, TEAM SOLENT 1

ALRESFORD extended their unbeaten run to eight matches in the Sydenhams Premier League, but it took a last-minute goal by substitute John Cole to clinch all three points against Team Solent on Saturday.

The first half was a goalless, but competitive affair, producing few clearcut chances, and referee Rob Ablitt had a busy time trying to keep tempers under control.

The game to life after the interval when centre-back Adeoye Olumuyiwa headed the Southampton Solent University outfit into the lead.

The visitors came within inches of doubling their lead as Jesse Waller-Lassen’s shot was deflected just wide of the far post.

However, Olumuyiwa went from hero to villain when he conceded the free-kick from which Rob Flooks headed into the top corner for Alresford’s equaliser.

Both sides then had decent chances to take control. For Team Solent, Pip Nolan blasted over the top when he should have done better and Waller-Lassen’s fierce free-kick was brilliantly turned against the crossbar by Dan Kempson.

At the other end, Sam Burt hit the woodwork with a cross-shot and put another effort across the face of goal.

But it was the Magpies who snatched the decider in the last minute of normal time. Steve Hall took a corner and Cole rose highest to head past veteran keeper Lee Webber and clinch Alresford’s fifth consecutive victory.

Ninth-placed Alresford are now two points behind Horndean and four behind Team Solent. And the Magpies have two games in hand.

Hamworthy 2, Horndean 4. Horndean also came from behind to win at Hamworthy. The home side led 2-0 after strikes by Nick Swann and Connor Phillips, but Horndean came roaring back with a brace of goals from Robbie Tambling and one apiece for Joe Richardson and Jack Maloney.

* Alresford have a tough home fixture against fourth-placed Sholing on Wednesday, December 28 (ko 7.45pm). Horndean travel to Moneyfields on Tuesday, December 27 (ko 3pm). Moneyfields head the Premier Division table by a massive 10 points.