ALTON TN 6,

US PORTSMOUTH 3 (Sydenhams League Div I)

CURTIS Thorn claimed the match ball after scoring four of Alton’s six goals against fourth-placed United Services.

The Brewers were again rampant on their own 3G surface, but the Portsmouth side gave a decent account of themselves and, indeed, the game was on a knife-edge at 3-3 with nearly half-an-hour to play.

Alton have lost prolific marksman Luke Perkins, who has joined Ryman Premier League side Met Police, but Thorn took on the scoring mantle and put the home side in front with a snap volley from the edge of the box.

Thorn then provided the cut-back for Ben Choularton to slide home the second goal and a Thorn free-kick gave Alton their third.

However, the Services stayed in touch with a first-half goal from Sean Snelling and, early in the second half, two quick strikes by former Petersfield player Callum Coker levelled up the match.

But the Brewers put in a storming finish. That man Thorn provided the cross for Henry Fox to restore the lead with a strong header.

With the visitors throwing men forward, a counter-attack left Alton three on one and Thorn went through to slot past the keeper and complete his hat-trick.

Finally, Choularton cleverly drew the keeper out of position and teed the ball up for Thorn to get his fourth.