ALTON FC 4, NEW MILTON TN 0

ALTON consolidated eighth place in the Sydenhams League DivisionOne table as they sent New Milton Town packing on Saturday.

In truth, the Brewers should have had a bigger winning margin as they had a second-half penalty saved and hit both crossbar and post.

New Milton, one place below Alton, made the brighter start. Matt Petts had to be alert to save from Ron Frost and, from the resulting corner, Matt Graham cleared a Dom Falco header off the line.

But it was not long before the Brewers were in front. Regan Hitch was unceremoniously dumped to the ground right in front of the referee and Jack Chandler sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot.

The goal spurred New Milton forward and Danny O’Sullivan brought a good stop from Petts. But the home side should have doubled their lead as Luke Perkins beat his full-back and, from the cross, Danny Knee scooped the ball over the bar. Then Kieron Robinson rattled the crossbar and Knee failed to convert the rebound.

New Milton had a long throw specialist in Frost, but Petts and centre-backs Ben Williams and Regan Hitch dealt with them all afternoon.

Another throw-in resulted in Alton’s second goal as Callum Burch intercepted and bore down on goal before calmly slotting under the keeper.

New Milton again upped their game, but were reduced to shooting from distance as the Alton rearguard stood firm.

The next goal was going to be important and Alton had a chance to kill the game off early in the second half when Chandler was fouled inside the box, but his second penalty of the game was well saved by Matt Hollier.

However, the third was not long in coming. Petts’ clearance was taken down by Perkins who released Knee and, under pressure, he cleverly found Chandler who this time gave the keeper no chance.

The Brewers were now right on top and slick work by Chandler and Knee set up Perkins who hit the upright with the keeper rooted to the spot.

Alton would not be denied, though, and made it 4-0 on 68 minutes. Knee broke from halfway and ran through to score with a rasping 25-yard drive, thus making amends for his earlier misses.

New Milton, after missing a sitter, lost their cool and Frost was dismissed after picking up two yellow cards in the space of five minutes.

Alton substitute Max Paddon was unlucky not to add a fifth with a lob that came back off the bar.

A good day for a buoyant Alton who played some attractive football in front of 132 spectators. Once again, the 3G pitch had proved its worth on a day when most Sydenhams League fixtures were postponed.

Alton: Petts, Allaway, Graham, Robinson, Williams, Hitch, Knee, Thomas, Burch, Chandler, Perkins. Subs: Hassell, Paddon, Grenham (all used), Corbett.

• Alton travel to rock-bottom side Folland Sports this Saturday.

• In one of only three Premier Division fixtures to survive the weather last Saturday, Petersfield Town lost 3-0 away to Baffins Milton Rovers and remained seven points adrift at the foot of the table.

Alresford’s home game with Bournemouth was called off, as was Horndean’s fixture with Bemerton. The Petersfield v Bashley and Shaftesbury v Horndean fixtures were postponed on Easter Monday.

Horndean host Andover this Saturday. On Tuesday, Alresford are at Amesbury and Horndean visit Hamble Club.