Alton returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Balham in the Combined Counties Premier Division South on Saturday.

Two first-half goals were enough for the hosts to take all three points at Anstey Park Enclosure.

Balham made a quick start and were first to the ball in the early stages, but the hosts soon gained a foothold and were first to threaten when Owen Tanner headed over when well placed.

It didn’t take long for the hosts to take the lead.

Adam Poynter broke clear and was fouled by Balham goalkeeper John Ross in the penalty area, and Poynter stepped up himself to confidently dispatch his 13th-minute penalty into the corner of the net.

The Brewers doubled their advantage in the 40th minute when a slick move down the left allowed Siph Mdlalose to gain ground and deliver a superb pass into the stride of Matt Benham, who clinically finished past the advancing Ross.

The host created plenty of chances in the second half.

Tolu Amati-Obe headed over before Benham forced Ross into producing two superb diving saves.

On 78 minutes Mdlalose clipped a ball past Ross but was denied a goal as he watched the ball bounce back into play off the far post into the path of Liam Marshall, whose goalbound effort was deflected wide.

Alton manager Kevin Adair said: “Getting the second goal before half-time pretty much sealed the win.

“We limited Balham and could have scored more ourselves.

“While we’re not mathematically safe, the win goes a long way to securing our safety as we should pick up enough points from our remaining matches.

“We want to go on a good run and get as high up the table as we can.”

Alton will travel to AFC Whyteleafe in the Combined Counties Premier Division South on Saturday (3pm kick-off).