WHITCHURCH 0, ALTON FC 4

AFTER drawing three out of six games in the Sydenhams League Division One, Alton finally chalked up a convincing win by putting Whitchurch to the sword.

In truth, it would have been more, but for some inspired goalkeeping by Josh Cotton and wayward finishing by the Brewers.

The game could have been very different if Whitchurch had scored in the third minute. After some ping-pong in the Alton box, Corey Cherrett, chipped Matt Petts in the Alton goal, but Liam Flanighan got back to head off the line.

Soon after, Alton had the lead. A through-ball from Taylor Watts allowed Danny Knee to cross and although Sean Hayes’ shot was parried, George Callard made no mistake from the rebound.

Ben Williams and Matt Graham had to be alert in defence to break up a rare Whitchurch attack. Watts, meanwhile, was becoming more influential and forced Cotton to save with his legs.

Using this a sighter, Watts doubled Alton’s lead. John Cass broke up a Whitchurch attack and played the ball to Joe Clarke who in turn fed Sean Hayes. The latter’s pass found Watts in space on the left and his cross-cum-shot caught Cotton out and sailed into the far corner.

Whitchurch almost replied from a free-kick, following an unlucky handball by Flanighan as he blocked a shot. Petts went full length to turn Jack Ormiston’s drive round the post for a corner.

Alton nearly killed the game off as half-time approached. Hayes shot over the top, Ollie Copplestone had a shot blocked and Knee, after rounding the keeper, was foiled by Sam Chandler’s last-ditch clearance.

Alton remained in attacking mood on the restart and Knee’s header came back off the post.

Manager Mark Corbett then introduced himself and scored Alton’s third with his first touch, turning in Knee’s cross for a typical poacher’s goal.

Callard and Reece Colbourne combined well to set up Knee, but it was just not his day and the shot went wide.

Petts, a spectator for much of the game, saved well from Nick Yeomans before the Brewers got their fourth goal. A fine through-ball from Copplestone found Corbett who snapped up his second to round off a good day for his side.

Alton entertain Folland Sports this Saturday, hoping to turn on the style in front of their home fans.

Alton: Petts, Cass, Graham, Copplestone, Williams, Flanighan, Callard, Clarke, Knee, Hayes, Watts. Subs (all used): Colbourne, Thorpe, Corbett.