Alton College welcomed league leaders Barton Peveril last Wednesday, and after a disappointing performance away to Poole Grammar the week before, they needed a big performance.
Barton arrived with 3 straight wins and without conceding a goal all season. This statistic quickly changed as striker Lewis Munt netted from close range to give Alton an early lead.
The game was being played at a high intensity and Barton began to demonstrate why they were undefeated. However, a dead ball situation resulted in Alton’s Charles Griffiths turning home a cross from Ellis Ballinger.
Barton then went close themselves, and hadn’t it been for goalkeeper Oscar Gillingham, Alton would have found themselves level at half time. As it was though, Alton had demonstrated they could more than hold their own against the league leaders and took a 2-0 lead at half time.
Early in the second half, a mix up from the Barton defence and goalkeeper resulted in a back-pass going in for an own goal and gave Alton a 3-0 lead.
Barton then really turned on the pressure and Alton found it difficult to get out of their own half. Two quick goals brought Barton back in to the game with 20 minutes remaining.
With their backs against the wall, Alton defended valiantly and with great determination. However, with the final play of the game, Alton were unable to deal with a long ball which the Barton striker latched on to and volleyed past Oscar despite his best efforts.
As soon as Alton took kick-off, the final whistle was blown. Final result 3-3.
Alton could walk away from the game, disappointed not to beat the league leaders, but pleased with their performance level and mentality.
