ALTON FC 2, FOLLAND SPORTS 1

PLAYER-manager Mark Corbett scored the winner as Alton came from behind to beat bottom side Folland Sports and rise to seventh in the Sydenhams League Division One table.

In an unexpectedly even first quarter, both sides had half-chances and Folland, having already had a shot blocked on the edge of the box, shocked Alton by taking the lead.

The Brewers failed to close down left-winger Kevin Cutter and he slipped in Lewis Crook who beat Matt Petts in a one-on-one.

This spurred Alton into life. Corbett fired straight at the keeper and Danny Knee struck the rebound just wide. Three minutes later, John Cass released Knee who cut inside and shot just over. Then Taylor Watts flicked the ball on to Knee who saw another powerful effort blocked.

Folland nearly doubled their lead with a 20-yard effort, while the Brewers were unlucky not the equalise right on half-time when Matt Graham swung in a corner and Scott Sanderson’s header was cleared off the line.

Clearly angry to be trailing at the interval, Alton were determined to turn the game around. Corbett switched to a bolder formation and, three minutes into the half, the Whites drew level after counter-attacking down the right. Corbett was played in and cleverly drew the goalkeeper before teeing up Knee to score from a sharp angle.

As Alton surged forward again, Graham picked out the lively Knee who very nearly scored with a long-range volley.

Petts was equal to a good effort by substitute Izaak McLean as Folland hit back, and although the Brewers created more chances, the visitors nearly snatched back the lead as Lewis Fear blasted over from 15 yards.

Alton got what turned out to be the winner on 75 minutes. Corbett pounced to win back possession from Ben Pashley and after playing a one-two with Callum Burch, struck a low right-foot shot past the advancing keeper.

A wave of relief washed over the home supporters at the The Enclosure. Alton went for more goals and Knee boomed another volley just over the top.

But Folland weren’t finished yet and only Petts’ strong left hand denied them an equaliser as an unmarked Fear shot hard and low towards the bottom corner.

It was a grandstand finish. Watts and Corbett were denied in the same move, while Follands forced Petts to make another excellent save.

Alton turn their attention to the FA Vase this Saturday when they entertain Sydenhams League Premier side Amesbury in the second qualifying round.