By Steve Ball

Saturday 29th January 2011

Local football team, Alpine Lane, top of Division 5 of the Redhill and District Saturday Football League, were keen to continue their devastating run of success over the last couple of weeks. Having enjoyed a 7-0 win last week over Merstham, they were taking on the team fourth in their league and were expecting a tough game. In what proved to be a very physical game, with the referee having to intervene on several occasions, Alpine Lane quickly capitalised on their superior speed and ball control to establish an early lead with two goals by Josh Pennicard. With Walton being without their No1 goal keeper, they were always going to be on the back foot but as with previous games, Alpine Lane soon demonstrated their teamwork and ball skills to continue their run of form, quickly nosing ahead with two more before the break from James Allen . Despite some good runs and individual skill, Alpine Lane had a quiet spell and needed to defend a few times against a spirited surge in the first 20 minutes of the second half but goals in quick succession by Andy Smart (3), Josh Pennicard, soon strangled any enthusiasm for a fight from Walton Heath and then went on to an unassailable leave to eventually leave 12 goals up with late additions from Dom Smith, Jamie Agnew-Burrows, Keith Bensley & Josh Zarembski.

It looks like a mere formality that promotion looms for Alpine Lane. With tougher opposition in higher leagues, fitness and match preparation will be key for Josh Pennicard, their current player/trainer/manager.

Photographs by Steve Ball.