ALRESFORD TN 3, ANDOVER TN 0

IN-FORM Alresford were superior in all departments as they inflicted a first defeat of the season on Andover, the Sydenhams Premier League leaders.

The Magpies took the lead after just four minutes of this midweek game, Aaron Blaxall forcing the ball in from close range after some very poor defending by the leaders.

Zach Glasspool then missed Andover’s best chance of the game and, thereafter, Alresford always looked likely winners.

They doubled their lead after 20 minutes as Geoff Dunn sprinted clear and clinically beat keeper Lloyd Thomas.

Andover were better in the second half, but the Magpies would not be denied and put the game to bed in the 58th minute. The visiting defence failed to deal with a long free-kick into the area and Ben White got the final touch to make it 3-0.

Dunn came close to adding a fourth, while Andover were denied a consolation goal by Dan Kempson’s fine save from a Michael Hubbard header.

ALRESFORD TN 5, BASHLEY 0

HAVING claimed a prize scalp on Wednesday, Alresford followed up with a 5-0 thumping of Bashley at Arlebury Park on Saturday.

The three points, which puts them up to fifth in the table, were in the bag after half an hour as the Magpies raced into a 3-0 lead.

Adam Pearson scored after six minutes and Chris Mason soon doubled the lead. Ben ‘Chalky’ White got his first on the half-hour and, for good measure, scored another excellent goal before half-time.

Alresford eased up in the second half, but still had enough fuel in the tank to add a fifth goal on 85 minutes, with Aaron Blaxall getting on the scoresheet.

Bashley never gave up and had their fair share of possession, but rarely troubled Dan Kempson in the home goal.

ALTON FC 0, DOWNTON 3

DOWNTON were again forced to play away from home due to floodlight problems, but they were clearly at home on the 3G pitch at The Enclosure and finished emphatic winners over Alton.

The Brewers had a decidedly off day and blew a chance to close the gap on the top five in Division One.

Dan Telfer, Harry Crisp and Paul Gulliver scored the goals for Downton who move above Alton into seventh place.

Alton are home to Whitchurch this Saturday.