Managerial crisis averted as Alton Convent played as a team.

Alton were playing with widespread positional changes including a new goalie Oliver. Ollie admitted that he did not feel well at the prospect of the responsibility, however he, like all the others in different roles, played their part in this monumental match. Alton began to play with great authority and purpose with Joel, playing midfield sweeper, hitting a shot from wide out only to see it sail over cross bar. Attack after attack of excellent passing and communicating saw Alton have over a dozen clear shots at goal. These attempts were either deflected at the last moment by defenders or by Dunhurst’s superb goal keeper. Dunhurst had only one attacking move in the first half. Alton was firmly camped in the opposition’s half. Finally Josh R broke the deadlock and Alton went into halftime with that lead of 1 goal.

The second half started with a bang with Josh scoring again. However Dunhurst capitalized on Alton’s lack of concentration and scored from the kickoff. This was followed by another making the score 2-2. Tom scored a cracking goal in the right hand corner. Yet again Dunhurst responded with another break away goal as Ollie was left stranded by Alton’s lax defense. From the restart, Alton quickly moved the ball from Tom to Francesca to Josh to score; Alton regained the lead 4-3. For a couple of minutes Alton gained more composure and Dunhurst were on the back foot, with only their goal keeper who was in spectacular form saving four shots from Alton’s attack. Dunhurst did not falter and scored again leveling at 4-4. The remainder of the game produced end to end exciting football with three more goals scored. Ollie made a couple of decisive saves to ensure Alton was still in the battle. Joel was everywhere in support play and was unlucky not have scored on numerous occasions.

Once the dust had settled and the final whistle blown, Alton walked away victorious 6 to 5. What a game! Joe expressed this after match by saying “Hey Mr. H, you enjoy yourself more when you get stuck in and give 100%”. It was indeed 100% effort by Alton, who were worthy winners.