Alton 1-3 Winchester

With the two other sides vying for the one available promotion slot drawing with each other, this was an important win for Winchester although Alton proved to be motivated, obstinate opponents.

Indeed, Alton were unlucky not to grab an early lead with an effort looping just over the bar and then Finn Lacey being forced into an excellent save a few seconds later. Winchester finally found a foothold and were able to convert a sixth minute penalty corner when Ben Hibberd drove a low dragflick into the bottom left hand corner. The remainder of the half continued to be fairly even, with Winchester's greater possession being squandered too often. Even so, Kieran Malloy, skipper Mark Maunsell, helped by the running of the two wing backs, Rory Jacks and Ed Kirpatrick were the dominant forces, but Alton's defence remained firm and frequently worried Winchester on the counter.  

It was no surprise when Alton drew level five minutes after the break, a fantastic solo effort from deep in his own half before drawing Lacey and slotting home. Winchester's penalty corner routine once again saved them as they retook the lead two minutes later, Hibberd driving a push wide of the far post for Tom Talks to divert home. Alton continued to put pressure on but the Alton keeper proved to be the busier and made a number of important saves. With fifteen minutes remaining, Winchester scored their final goal which gave them some breathing space, again from a penalty corner and a delightful disguised move and a one-two between Hibberd and Malloy saw the latter force the ball over the line. Alton's penalty corners came late in the game but were unable to match Winchester's strike rate and the game ended 1-3.