ALTON 2, FAREHAM IV 1

ALTON, the unbeaten Hampshire 3 leaders, secured three massive points against third-placed Fareham IV.

It was one of Alton’s toughest games of the season, with the 4th XI of the powerful Fareham club aiming to end that proud undefeated record.

Alton won several early several short corners, with attempts from Scott Reading and Martin Kercher going close, but it was Fareham who drew first blood when keeper Lawrence Jones was beaten by the faintest of deflections.

Only a diving save from Jones denied the visitors a second goal. Then, shortly before half-time, Alton counter-attacked to lethal effect and skipper Nigel Downing slid the ball home on his reverse for the equaliser.

Alton knew they would have to dig deep in the second half against a very determined Fareham side.

Gradually, Alton got on top and Tom Singleton and James Goulding-Stewart missed narrowly, Singleton being denied by the post.

With time running out, Alton mounted a sustained assault and got their reward as man-of-the- match Singleton struck a low shot past the keeper to set up a tense last five minutes.

Fareham were almost gifted the equaliser when a misplaced pass from defender Reading resulted in a breakaway attack, but keeper Jones was alert to the danger and smothered the ball, allowing Alton to clear their lines.

Alton travel to mid-table New Forest this Saturday in search of another three points.