US PORTSMOUTH 3, ALTON TN 1

TOP-THREE outfit US Portsmouth dominated much of this match at Burnaby Road last Saturday. Alton gave them a good game, but were only spared a heavier defeat by the heroics of keeper Mo Nyakunga.

The Services had an early let-off when Town striker Luke Perkins raced onto a lofted through-ball, but failed to beat the onrushing Peter Houkes.

Soon after, Alton conceded a poor goal as Ben Booker headed home at the near post from a Matt Magro corner, giving Nyakunga no chance.

The home side proceeded to play some attractive football. The Alton midfield struggled to deal with Connor Duffin’s strength on the ball and movement off it.

Fraser Clark raided down the right and picked out Duffin who, from the edge of the area, struck a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Nyakunga made two fantastic saves to keep his side in the game, tipping over a powerful Duffin drive and somehow stopping a Clark volley from close range. Duffin shot wide after a brilliant solo run before Nyakunga denied Callum Coker with yet another fine parry.

Alton responded with a good spell, creating decent chances either side of half-time, but were unable to trouble Houkes.

US played out the second half with reasonable ease and only two goal-line clearances denied them further goals.

They finally put the game to bed in the 85th minute. Liam Bush’s through-ball released Coker who chipped Nyakunga as he came out to narrow the angle.

There was still time for Alton to pull one back when Oli Graham met a deep corner with a strong header at the back post.