ALTON 2,

ISLE OF WIGHT 4

ANOTHER frustrating day for Alton as the Islanders won handsomely at Amery Hill.

Alton knew it would be tough against the side placed third in Hampshire 2, but hoped to give the visitors a run for their money.

However, an early break caught Alton off-guard and an unmarked Isle of Wight striker scored at the far post.

Alton began to sharpen up and ask questions of the opposing defence, but the Islanders were hard nuts to crack and they doubled their lead from a penalty corner.

And with Alton looking stretched, the visitors again broke away to take a commanding 3-0 lead.

To their credit, Alton never let their heads drop and some good work from Brogan Fife earned them a penalty corner, from which Luke Bottomley scored with a high drag-flick.

Almost immediately, the Isle restored their three-goal cushion and took a 4-1 lead into half-time.

The second half saw a massive improvement from Alton as they went straight on the offensive. Forbes Hamilton, Dave Compton, Pete Howland and James Wilson battled away in midfield and a quickly-taken free-hit found Compton on hand to power the ball home.

With their lead cut to 4-2, IoW looked on edge for the first time, but Alton could not apply the final touch to other chances, although Hamilton saw one attempt saved on the line by a brave defender.