ALTON TOWN can look back on a job well done in the prematurely-shortened league season – and dream of just how much more they could have achieved...

And it wasn’t only on the pitch the Wessex League club excelled.

They had the highest average attendance in Division One of 126.2, a 40 per cent improvement on the previous season.

Their form and conduct on the pitch – they had the best disciplinary record in the league with only 29 cautions and one dismissal in league games – saw them receive the Club of the Month award twice, in November and December, and the Respect award also twice, in December and January.

The first team were in sixth place in the table when the FA called an end to the season, with eight league games left.

They still had to play three of the teams in the top five, so it was very much in their own hands to finish in the top four.

In their 28 games, they won 15 and drew five, losing just eight and scoring 54 goals in the process – ten more than they conceded.

It gave the side a win percentage of 54 per cent.

Secretary Wayne Dickson said: “We were on track for our highest finish in the Division One since our return to the Wessex League five seasons ago – and it was certainly an improvement on the 13th place of last year.

“We had reached the semi-finals of both the Hampshire FA Russell Cotes Cup – and were due to play Lymington Town at home – and the Aldershot Senior Cup.

“This was achieved by using a settled squad in which George Bowerman and Justin Courtnage appeared in 36 of the 39 games, including cup matches, and 12 other players had appeared in 24 or more games. In all we used a total of 40 players.”

The reserves were in second place in the Wyvern Combination Division One, winning 11 of their 15 matches and losing four, scoring 62 goals and conceding only 31.

Dickson said: “In the previous two seasons we finished tenth and seventh, so were on course for our highest finish in three seasons.

“This was a great achievement.”

The side had also reached the semi-finals in both the Wyvern Challenge Cup and the JS Memorial Trophy, and were also in the quarter-finals of the Aldershot Intermediate Cup.

The reserves went out of the Hampshire Trophy at the quarter-final stage.

Dickson said: “Again this was achieved by using a settled squad with Max Williams leading the appearances with 23, followed by Josh Brown and Aaron Cresswell with 21.

“Fifteen other players were involved in more than half the games played.

“In all, the reserves used 38 players, three of whom are in this season’s youth side – and it’s good to see them coming through.

“The club’s adult committee believe the current, shortened season has been a huge success both on the field and off, with a number of highly-respectable achievements on the management and playing side, but also with the atmosphere and environment created and enjoyed on the social and supporting side.

“From a playing point of view, the season has been both positive and enjoyable, with some very good victories as well as some missed opportunities.

“What has shone through is the way the whole structure – mangers, players, physio, helpers and adult committee – have created an atmosphere where everyone belongs.

“This includes the interaction and banter between players, adult committee, and Jim and his merry band of helpers.

“On a very positive note we were pleased to announce last season’s successful team management structures of Kevin Adair and assistants, and Kevin Smith and assistants, are happy to continue into next season and are looking forward to the next challenge.

“We thank Kev, Carl, Jack, Kev, Clive, Dave, Jim, Ian (Ivor) and Rosie for all their efforts and look forward to more of the same next season.

“In these difficult times for everyone, please do look after each other – family, friends and neighbours – and stay safe.”