Strike sees Alresford victorious on Non-League Day

Alresford Town extended their unbeaten run to six games thanks to their 1-0 victory against Ringwood Town at Arlebury Park.

Ringwood were looking to return to winning ways following draws to Newport, Fawley and 5-0 hammering against Whitchurch United, but Scott Hills’ flick on was finished off by Higby inside the opening stages, with Alresford creating more chances despite having less of the ball.

Ben Harris, Ethan Fishlock and Harry Smith all had chances for the visitors late in the first-half but failed to be clinical in front of goal. 

A mistake from goalkeeper Will Griffin should have seen Alresford extend their lead, after a low drive from former Southampton youngster and debutant Sanjay Samuda slipped under the hands of the goalkeeper – which Sanchez Mclean failed to tap into an empty net, after Lewis Crumper’s goal-line clearance. 

Ringwood did have a free-kick from close-range in the last seconds of the game, but Fishlock fired over the bar. 

Victory for the Magpies sees them pick up their first-clean sheet in two months and have extended their lead over sixth place Cove by nine points, as Alresford look to gain a top five finish to secure a place in the play-offs. 

Lambert delighted with clean-sheet

Alresford Coach Ryan Lambert said: “That has been a bit of our story lately [not being clinical], new signing Sanjay [Samuda] came on and caused problems – if we pulled the trigger more often, we would have that little more success.

“I did not realise it was that long [first clean sheet since 3-0 win against Andover Town in mid-January], it was definitely something that was said at half-time. 

“But the three points were vital today, they keep us away from the clubs below us – we are exactly where we need to be.”

What is next for both sides?

Alresford Town are back on the road on Tuesday night as they take on rock bottom AFC Aldermaston, having only won four games so far this season, but are only one point behind Andover Town – who have the same amount of wins. 

The Magpies are then back in action on Saturday against local rivals Whitchurch United. 

But Ringwood have to wait until next Saturday as they host title challengers Downton in their final four games of the season.