SOUTHAMPTON UNIVERSITY II 4, ALTON 3

ALTON’S seven-game unbeaten run in Hampshire 2 ended with a frustrating defeat to Southampton University.

The game seemed to be heading Alton’s way as their attacking play earned them the bulk of possession early on. The visitors’ hard work paid off when leading scorer Martin Kercher netted an absolute screamer from the top of the circle.

Alton surged forward, looking for a second, and Brogan Fife and Tom Singleton just failed to apply the final touch in front of goal.

However, the students punished a lapse of concentration to draw level and the sides then exchanged goals in the ten minutes before half-time. Singleton restored the lead with a calm finish, only for Southampton to equalise from a penalty corner.

Cracks began to appear in Alton’s game in the second half and the students took the lead for the first time, seizing on a rebound after Lawrence Jones had saved the first attempt.

Harry Curtis and Pete Howland rallied Alton with some strong play in midfield and, following a short corner, Singleton reacted quickest to put away a ricochet off the keeper’s pad for his second goal.

But Alton hearts were broken at the death as a final Southampton surge brought them the winner.