Jake Horn contributed two goals to help Sheerwater on their way to an emphatic 5-0 home win against an out of sorts Alton FC.
There was a home debut for Kacper Nozka, signed from Knaphill and Ben Portbury returned from a long term injury. Idris Gbadamosi was recalled to the staring eleven and he had a very solid game.
Alton were more on the front foot early in the game with Owen Tanner taking control in midfield and Mal Thomas causing problems down the left. Thomas put a fantastic ball across the area which was begging for a touch but it ran to safety. Horn and Emanuel Osei got to grips in midfield and efforts were created. Elliott York was just wide with a low effort and new boy Nozka started getting joy down the left. The experienced Jamie Hoppitt pushed forward from right-back to add his weight to the attack as Alton looked for a break through. However, it was Sheerwater who struck first on thirty-four minutes. Nozka fired a free kick on target but Alton keeper, Carpenter, should have gathered it in but he spilled it and Kareem Foster was sharp and rammed home from six yards. Three minutes later a cross from Foster was only half cleared and Jake Horn hit a great volley in to the far top corner.
Sheerwater saw out the half with an all action display from Portbury catching the eye.
Alton were eager to get an early reply at the start of the second half and when George Mackie was caught on the ball on forty-nine minutes they broke quickly but Mackie raced back and earned himself a yellow card with a lunge from behind. Hoppitt went in the book for racking up a few fouls and he got a second yellow ten minutes from time and was off. Sheers keeper, Fabio Suarez was relatively un-tested during the half and kept his back four in check. At 2-0 it was definitely not game over but Sheerwater ramped up the pressure. Nozka put a dangerous free-kick in to the danger area but Alton defended it well. The important third goal came on seventy-two minutes. York was on free-kick duty and his whipped in delivery was too hot to handle for Carpenter and Horn was on hand to stab home at the second attempt. Sheerwater played with more freedom and chances started coming. Foster came close and Avery tried his luck but it was off target. Alton’s best move of the half saw Marshall strike his effort against the post.
With substitutions made, a late flurry saw Sheerwater score on eighty-nine minutes and ninety +2. Both goals were set up by Byrun Mitchell. A flowing move saw Mitchell played through on the right. He could have chosen to shoot but he cleverly picked out fellow substitute, Olly Woolgar and he side-footed in from six yards for his first goal for the club. Mitchell then got clear again and pulled the ball back for another substitute, Harvey Valter who notched his thirteenth goal of the season.
Sheerwater can sit back now and enjoy their Christmas as they don’t play again until early January.