Alton manager Kevin Adair was pleased with his side’s efforts after they beat Wessex League Premier Division outfit Andover New Street 1-0 in the first round of the Hampshire Senior Cup at Anstey Park Enclosure.

Darnell McDonald scored the Brewers’ winner in the 77th minute when his left-foot strike from 25 yards out found the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

“It was a good strike by Darnell,” said Adair. “I think their keeper has probably got to do better with it but you don't win the lottery if you don't buy a ticket.

“It wasn't the best of games in quality to be honest. It was a bit of a battle at times but we’ll take going through to the next round.

“We gave a much-needed rest to a lot of players and there were some good minutes for players that needed them. You have to look after people and give others opportunities, so we've got to be pleased with the result and going through.”

Alton goalkeeper Theo Rust impressed with a number of fine saves, which included saving Claudio Herbert’s 82nd-minute penalty to preserve the home side’s lead, and Adair was delighted with his goalkeeper’s display.

“Theo has got to be really pleased with his performance,” said Adair. “He's made two great saves and he's done all the basics well. He's saved a penalty, come and collected crosses and distributed well. It's given me something to think about.”

Adair is happy with how his squad is shaping up in the early stages of the season.

“Luke Perkins came back into the squad, Louis Russell is back around, Matt Benham was named in the squad and Liam Marshall got more minutes,” said Adair.

“It's a good place to be. We usually find it difficult in the early stages of the season because we have to build a group late, but once we get them together they do generally buy into what we want. It's a positive start to the season for us – we've got to be happy with it.”