Alton Town 2 Winchester City 5
Despite resting top scorer Andy Forbes, City were still strong enough to net five goals in this Sydenhams Wessex League fixture which they should have won more convincingly than by three goals, having allowed the home side to net two goals in the last quarter of the match. This all under the watching eyes of Gosport Borough manager Mick Marsh, and Hamworthy United manager Alex Pike.
The City star of the show was Forbes replacement Adam Rogers who not only opened his scoring account for the season but went on to net his first hat trick but apart from his goals produced a hard working all round performance.
Alton had the opening opportunity midfielder John Edwards attempting to loft a long range shot over the top of Joe McCormack, but the City keeper manager to scramble back and turn the ball away. After settling though City soon found their goal touch. With ten minutes played Michael Deans pass forward was turned I to the path of Gary Green by Alton defender Nicky Guy and Green steered the ball past Alton goalkeeper Mick Buttress for his second goal in two games.
On nineteen minutes City doubled their score, some quick footed movement by Rogers allowed him time to fire home a shot. City added their third after thirty two minutes an excellent twenty five yard strike from Michele Dean giving Buttress no chance and City were coasting with a three nil lead.
Alton kept battling, defender Simon Pullman was allowed a free header following a corner but his effort went over the bar early in the second period. Twelve minutes into the second half though and City added to their score, the ball arriving at Rogers feet some twenty yards from goal, having at first appeared to have lost control of the ball, Rogers suddenly produced a rising searing drive for his second goal of the evening.
On the hour Matthew Bicknell evaded a strong challenge on the left wing and sent in a low cross, which saw Rogers shoot into the net to complete his hat trick.
The large City following were expecting a further onslaught of goals but were disappointed as their side suddenly seemed to lose concentration and allowed Alton to get back into the match. With sixteen minutes remaining left foot strike from Dave Bridger. Soon after Richard Mealey saw McCormack flying across his goal to stop his effort. With eight minutes to go Bridger again found the back of the net, played in by Matt Schulz, Bridger shot low past McCormack and City were suddenly looking over their shoulders despite still having a three goal advantage.
Fortunately for City as the minutes ticked away McCormack was called into action again to deny Mealey but the City defence was not breached again.
City : McCormack, Dyke (Waite68), Bicknell, D Smith, Lang, Blake (Webber 64), Brewster, G Green, Mancey, Rogers, Dean
Despite resting top scorer Andy Forbes, City were still strong enough to net five goals in this Sydenhams Wessex League fixture which they should have won more convincingly than by three goals, having allowed the home side to net two goals in the last quarter of the match. This all under the watching eyes of Gosport Borough manager Mick Marsh, and Hamworthy United manager Alex Pike.
The City star of the show was Forbes replacement Adam Rogers who not only opened his scoring account for the season but went on to net his first hat trick but apart from his goals produced a hard working all round performance.
Alton had the opening opportunity midfielder John Edwards attempting to loft a long range shot over the top of Joe McCormack, but the City keeper manager to scramble back and turn the ball away. After settling though City soon found their goal touch. With ten minutes played Michael Deans pass forward was turned I to the path of Gary Green by Alton defender Nicky Guy and Green steered the ball past Alton goalkeeper Mick Buttress for his second goal in two games.
On nineteen minutes City doubled their score, some quick footed movement by Rogers allowed him time to fire home a shot. City added their third after thirty two minutes an excellent twenty five yard strike from Michele Dean giving Buttress no chance and City were coasting with a three nil lead.
Alton kept battling, defender Simon Pullman was allowed a free header following a corner but his effort went over the bar early in the second period. Twelve minutes into the second half though and City added to their score, the ball arriving at Rogers feet some twenty yards from goal, having at first appeared to have lost control of the ball, Rogers suddenly produced a rising searing drive for his second goal of the evening.
On the hour Matthew Bicknell evaded a strong challenge on the left wing and sent in a low cross, which saw Rogers shoot into the net to complete his hat trick.
The large City following were expecting a further onslaught of goals but were disappointed as their side suddenly seemed to lose concentration and allowed Alton to get back into the match. With sixteen minutes remaining left foot strike from Dave Bridger. Soon after Richard Mealey saw McCormack flying across his goal to stop his effort. With eight minutes to go Bridger again found the back of the net, played in by Matt Schulz, Bridger shot low past McCormack and City were suddenly looking over their shoulders despite still having a three goal advantage.
Fortunately for City as the minutes ticked away McCormack was called into action again to deny Mealey but the City defence was not breached again.
City : McCormack, Dyke (Waite68), Bicknell, D Smith, Lang, Blake (Webber 64), Brewster, G Green, Mancey, Rogers, Dean
Document last updated: 07/06/2007
