Town start with win

THIS was a comfortable first friendly win for Ernie Howe's Camrose Blues side, even if five first teamers were missing and the scoreline suggests otherwise, writes John Gray.

Jason Bristow was forced to sit out while recuperating from a recent heel operation, Tim Sills was on holiday while the christening of Chris Honor's recent addition to his family accounted for the defender as well as team-mates Don Forbes and Rob Cook.

In a game where the choice of venue - RAF Odiham - was questionable, security regulations denying Basingstoke fans the chance to see their team's first pre-season match, there was a gulf in class with the "visitors" in control from the first whistle.

While the intricate passing movements in the centre of the field looked promising for the Camrose Blues, the blustery conditions effectively turned the game into a lottery.

Alton, for their part, were happy to play a containing game, rendering Scott Tarr a spectator without a single shot to save in the first period. That was in no small way down to the impressive trio of defenders in front of him.

Trialist Matt Elverson made an excellent debut alongside youth team product Steve Hemmings, who did a fine job, and midfielder-turned-sweeper Paul Wilkinson.

Town finally marked their superiority when Richard Newbery cut back for Sean Gorman to blast home from 12 yards out on 23 minutes.

Moments later, Newbery himself strode clear of the offside trap but, after rounding Mark Cole in the Alton goal, the striker found the angle too tight and ended up rolling the ball across the face of the goal.

Jimmy Fraser twice went close to opening his account, the second denied by a deflection, while Mark Lisk was unable to guide Gorman's near-post centre on target.

Substitutions during the interval and early stages, allied with a blustery wind across the exposed pitch in the middle of the airfield, changed the complexion of the game in the early stages of the second period.

Alton finally managed to exert themselves and a low shot by Neil Morrant forced a sharp save out of Scott Tarr, who parried the ball to his right.

Tarr was then fully extended as the "home" side enjoyed their best spell of the match, Mark Clothier fired a rasping effort which grazed the top of the crossbar - according to the referee via the fingertips of the Basingstoke 'keeper.

The focus reverted to the Alton goal and Mike Davis, whose able crossing ability was demonstrated following his half-time introduction, shot over the bar from Gorman's unselfish lay-off.

Gorman and Newbery both went close before substitute Clint Bassett gave Howe an early reminder of his goalscoring prowess with a clinical finish on 71 min- utes to double Town's lead.

Alton were gifted a consolation strike 12 minutes from time when Ivan Hanlan side-footed a penalty past Basingstoke's substitute 'keeper Simon Arthur, who did well to get his hand to the ball.

The spot-kick, awarded by a referee's assistant for an alleged foul by Wilkinson on Paul Lloyd, was almost a sympathy vote for John Robson's workmanlike side.

Town hit back and were unlucky not to add a more emphatic look to the scoreline with efforts by Gorman, Fraser and Howes all forcing good saves out of the Alton 'keeper.

But there was a nervous moment for Ernie Howe's team late on when Ian Dyer hammered into the side netting after a goalmouth melee as Alton sought in vain for an equaliser.

Basingstoke Town: Scott Tarr (sub Simon Arthur 76min), Steve Baker (sub Mike Davis 45min), Mark Likl (sub Jimmy Fraser 76min), Matt Elverson, Paul Wilkinson, Steve Hemmings, Jimmy Fraser (sub Glenn Howes 45min), Stuart Girdler (sub Toby Sumner 71min), Richard Newbery (sub Clint Bassett 60min), Sean Gorman, Dominic Naylor.

For a report of Town's Nationwide League Division Two clash with Swindon Town on Tuesday see The Gazette on Friday