SOUTHAMPTON II 2, ALTON 2

ALTON came within minutes of recording their first win of the season in Hampshire 2, only to see victory snatched from their grasp.

The visitors should have put the game beyond Southampton by half-time as they did everything but hit the net.

More than once, Tom Singleton came agonisingly close. Richard Spicer and Pete Harvey dominated midfield and provided a fine service for their forwards, but still the breakthrough eluded Alton.

As half-time approached, Alton had to deal with a spell of pressure. They defended well and then a smooth counter-attack ended with Pete Howland calmly sliding the ball home.

With a goal under their belts, Alton began the second half the better side, but Southampton sensed the visitors’ frustration at not being further ahead and began to have more possession themselves.

The home side equalised from a penalty corner and this setback seemed to kick Alton back into gear.

Within minutes, Singleton split the defence with a strong run and an early ball across the circle found Howland who made no mistake to make it 2-1.

Southampton dug their heels in under further pressure and Alton began to lose their composure as the sides tussled for the crucial next goal.

It was Southampton who got it. Alton could not quite keep their nerve and a combination of sharp counter-attack and defensive mix-up saw Southampton rescue a point with minutes to go.

Alton are back home this Saturday to face fellow promoted side Poole.