Game 25: Bemerton Heath Harlequins 3.1 Alton Town (WESS PREM) 22.01.08

Another Tuesday night game up at the Heath featuring the usual suspects! One notable player for Alton was Jason Chewins - the Aldershot legend playing his last month of games in the UK before emigrating to New Zealand.


The opening period of play saw some good ideas poorly executed but one key moment after 10 minutes as the Alton keeper came off the worst in a 50/50 challenge with a Bemerton player. Although he carried on (as they didn't appear to have a keeper sub), his movement was limited and he looked to be in some pain when he put pressure on his ankle. He was unable to take any goalkicks and left them to his defenders.


Both teams were well drilled at the back and Andy and I started to wonder how many more offside decisions there would be before one of the sets of strikers remembered the offside rule! When there was a shot, they were either half a yard wide of goal or way over the top of the crossbar. Despite this, Bemerton took the lead somewhat against the run of play after 36 minutes. A long free kick was played into the penalty area and was flicked on to a midfielder who shot across the keeper low into the bottom of the net.


The second half was a similar affair although Alton created a couple of chances to get back into the game. We both commented that it was disappointing that Bemerton lacked the imagination to fire some longshots at the keeper or put the ball into the penalty area and take a chance that the keeper would stay on his line. Alton made some substitions and it seemed to pay off. After 66 minutes, a long free kick into the box was smashed into the back of the net to the delight of the travelling Alton contingent and players.


Alton should have added to their goal tally with a header that flew wide from 6 yards when it looked easier to score. This proved costly as Bemerton won a free kick near the corner flag. The ball was whipped in with pace into the goalmouth and the keeper was unable to challenge, allowing a free header that the Bemerton striker put into the back of the net.


3 minutes later and it was 3.1 as Slade broke through the defence and slotted a shot past the keeper. Alton tried to get back into the game but the shots went straight to the keeper. Bemerton almost added a fourth coming into injury time but the ball came back off the crossbar.