Alton manager Kevin Adair was pleased with his side’s second-half display after they won 4-0 at home to Camberley Town in the Combined Counties Premier Division South on Saturday.

Second-half goals from Luke Perkins, Darnell McDonald, Jack Fowler and Jamie Hoppitt gave the hosts the three points at Anstey Park Enclosure.

The Brewers fell short of a top-five finish and a play-off spot, but Adair was happy to end the season on a winning note.

“I’m a little bit disappointed after where we were a couple of weeks ago,” said Adair. “We needed to finish well and we’ve done that. The first half wasn’t great. We came out in the second half and played some of the football we’ve shown over the course of the season which gave us the opportunity to challenge near the top – so I’ve got to be pleased with that.

“From where we were at the start and what people expected from us we’ve exceeded that. We set a target and said we needed to challenge to get into the top eight this year. We’ve got in the top eight and we’ve challenged to get in the top five, but we just weren’t there in the end. If we can keep the group together then who knows for next year.

“The group’s good, the coaching staff is good and the development team have won their league, so everything’s positive. Everything is moving in the right direction and if we can keep the playing side of that up then who knows where this club can go. I've been here five years and it’s always progressing and that’s down to the club – the people behind the scenes – and the quality of player we bring in.”

Alton went into the break on level terms with Camberley after a goalless first half, before taking the lead 30 seconds into the second half. Adair admitted a few honest words were said at half-time.

“Everyone knows how it is playing men’s football and sometimes you’ve got to be told,” said Adair. “They knew they hadn’t reached the levels they should do. You want to give a big crowd a good send off and you’ve got to remind them that they’re playing for other people as well – not just themselves. They know that but it had the end-of-season feel because there was nothing to play for. At half-time we said to go away feeling proud of something, and to be fair they did that.”

Alton’s substitutes made a positive impact off the bench with Louis Russell setting up Fowler for the third goal, while Hoppitt scored the fourth goal.

“Louis’ been away for a little bit and when he comes back into the side the way he plays and the way he is is infectious,” said Adair. “That brings something to the side but we’re now looking at a group of 22 people who can all contribute to the shirt. It’s exciting to have changes from the bench to make a difference – it shows the quality we’ve got. They’d probably start in any other side in the league. We’re proud to have them and I’m pleased to work with them.”

Alton keeper Toby Fisher had a relatively quiet afternoon, and Adair was happy to keep another clean sheet.

“Toby had to make one save in the first half and after that we’ve dominated the second half,” said Adair. “We were deserved winners. Individuals make differences in moments but teams are what win you things and I’m just gutted I couldn’t have this team together earlier in the season because we definitely would have got more out of it. You’ve got to remember where you were, where you are now and where you want to be. Anything’s possible if you want to work towards it.”

Alton finished in seventh place in the Combined Counties Premier Division South, having picked up 65 points from their 38 matches, and Adair has already started planning for next season.

“We’ve already had a meeting and assuming that the club want to keep me here we’re planning what we want to do and how we want to do it,” said Adair. “Things are in place to start in June.”