ALTON LADIES 1, HASLEMERE LADIES 6

HASLEMERE put six goals past struggling Alton and then found themselves top of Hampshire Division One, thanks to Aldershot & Farnham beating Winchester.

Conditions were superb at Amery Hill, but Haslemere were sluggish at the start, not playing at their usual high tempo.

Despite having plenty of openings and forcing 10 short corners, Haslemere failed to score and it was Alton who took a shock lead with a good goal by Naomi Jones.

Haslemere finally took one of their chances to equalise and they emerged for the second half with a completely different game plan. The defence now transferred the ball around the back and worked the ball up both flanks, linking up with the midfield to provide a fine service for their skilful forwards.

One after another, five goals were scored as the visitors stamped their authority on the game, one coming from a well-executed short corner.

Haslemere’s goal-scorers were Heidi Wells, Alice Toynton, Lucy Brownrigg, Alex Hardy and Donna Read (2).

Haslemere IV 0, Alton II 2 (Hants 6). The 2nd XI salvaged some pride for Alton whose 1st XI were hit for six by Haslemere the same day

The first half was a tight affair, with two experienced defences being well marshalled by their keepers.

After a goalless first half, Alton started to stretch the game up front and chances began to come.

It took a fine team goal to break the deadlock, Annabel Hudson expertly flicking the ball into the net. With a minute left, Abi Green outsprinted tiring defenders and calmly slotted in the second goal.