In an entertaining game at the Furzebrake on Saturday Beer Albion Reserves thumped fellow strugglers Alphington third team 6-2 to move above them in the Macron League Division Five table, writes Richard Honnor.

The Fishermen served up some great attacking football which belied their lowly league position.

The Alphas however, made a flying start going ahead within the first minute when Mitchell Ward scored from close range after a Beer blocked tackle ricocheted fortuitously into his path.

The Beer defence settled quickly after the initial scare and, with Andrew Foster and Robert Adkin solid and composed at the heart of their defence, the Fishermen started to get control of the game. As the half progressed, Beer built up the pressure with some fine flowing football. Midfielders Ollie and Alex Paget and Adam Brewer were linking the play between defence and attack well which in turn was providing forward players Joel Seward and the pacy Ed Karajev with quality ball to give the Alphington back line much to think about.

It was no surprise when Beer’s equaliser came on 20 minutes. After sustained pressure resulted in three successive corners, Alex Paget hit an unstoppable left-footer from eight yards past the Alphington keeper. Seward then shot across goal after a fine flowing move, before Jack White tapped in an Ollie Paget free kick from close range on 35 minutes to put the Fishermen 2-1 ahead.

Beer started slowly after the break losing their shape when White and Karajev inexplicably switched flanks allowing their opponents back into the match. Only two goal line clearances in quick succession from Aaron Wain prevented Alphington from equalising. But once White and Karajev reverted to their original wide positions, the pressure on the Alphas again started to mount. On 55 minutes striker Joel Seward chased a lost cause, won the ball as the Alphington defenders hesitated and held off a strong challenge to round the keeper to score Beer’s third goal. Three minutes later, Seward notched his second to make it 4-1, again showing physical strength after a great run and pass by Karajev.

The Fishermen were now playing some great flowing football and they went further ahead on 60 minutes. Man of the Match Seward, threaded a pass down the right for Karajev to deliver a perfect cross which was met by Ollie Paget with a delightful glancing header past the Alphington keeper.

The visitors were still showing some spirit however and reduced the arrears five minutes later with an unstoppable 30 yarder from Jake Hopton. But the Fishermen sealed the 6-2 win on 76 minutes when Alex Paget scored his second with a lovely chip over the keeper after being put through by Seward.

The Fishermen will be hoping to continue in the same manner next Saturday when they entertain third placed Millwey Rise at the Furzebrake. Kick off is at 2:15 pm and match sponsor is Jimmy Green Marine.