Alty 1 Lewes 0

1:18pm Tuesday 23rd September 2008

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PRESSURE continued to mount on Alty boss Graham Heathcote, even after his side ended their eight-game winless streak in the Blue Square Premier with a 1-0 win over Lewes.

It took the Robins until the 87th minute to break the deadlock against the league’s bottom side, before which time chants of “Heathcote out” had already begun to emanate from the Golf Road End.

This led to a furious reaction from Heathcote, who appeared to direct an obscene gesture at supporters - an action which only served to further anger the frustrated Moss Lane faithful.

But in the midst of all that, Alty still managed to claim a valuable three points thanks to Greg Young’s late strike, although their overall performance still left a lot to be desired.

There were signs of the recent turmoil in Heathcote’s team selection.

Chris Denham was omitted following reports of a fall-out with the manager and there were three changes from the team that lost 3-0 to Stevenage, including a debut for Shaun Densmore at right back.

The first half was low on quality but Alty had by far the better of the scoring chances.

Rikki Banks was forced to make a sharp save from Colin Little early on after the striker had fashioned an opening through good interplay with Joe O’Neill.

Lee Elam provided glimpses of hope from the left wing and was unlucky not to score after a brilliant slaloming run took him past three defenders. The former Exeter man could only shoot wide of the post though.

Little was denied once more when Banks made a good save from his hooked shot, while at the other end, Densmore came to the Robins’ rescue, blocking Shabazz Baidoo’s effort.

Then, two minutes before the interval Elam shot over the bar and Alty went in at half time still deadlocked.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first.

Substitute Chris Senior forced Banks to tip his effort round the post though and Mark McGregor was off target from long range as the hosts continued to have much the better of the chances.

But as the game continued scoreless, frustration mounted and Heathcote brought on big centre half Young up front in a desperate attempt to force a goal.

Warren Peyton threatened twice, seeing one effort blocked on the line, and having a decent free kick saved by Banks.

It was third time lucky for the left back though as, even though he didn’t score from a third shot in quick succession, Banks could only palm the ball to Young, who scored from close range.

That failed to satisfy the disgruntled home fans, however, and there are some testing times ahead for Alty.

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Alty man of the match: Lee Elam.

Alty (4-4-2): Coburn 6; Densmore 7, McGregor 6, Lane 6, Peyton 6; Meechan 6 (Senior 54, 6), Lawton 5, Danylyk 6, Elam 7; Little 6 (Young 80), O'Neill 5 (Doughty 70, 6).
Subs not used: Street, Johnson.
Goals: Young 87
Booked: Densmore 58 (foul), O'Neill 69 (foul), Lawton 83 (dissent)

Lewes (4-4-2): Banks; Barness, Cullip, Breach, Mayo; Sackey (Wheeler 89), Standing, Keehan, Wallis-Taylor; Taylor, Baidoo (Cox 72).
Subs not used: Graves, Ruddy, Geard.
Booked: Cox 90 (foul)

Attendance: 827