A very exciting game against Portsmouth last Sunday and ultimately a disappointing loss. A match that will live long in the memory for all sorts of reasons. It will be interesting to see whether we can bounce back, having the immediate opportunity to put some things right against New Milton this Sunday.

In view of New Milton's strength (they have beaten both Petersfield and Basingstoke this season) there will again be a selected squad for this game. Those not selected will be given priority in the forthcoming fixture against Fawley on 5th February - note that the Fawley game has a 2pm kick off as there are many Junior home games at Anstey Park that day. You might want to come along and support the U14A v Jersey in League 1, U14B v Guernsey in League 3 or the U13s in their Hampshire Plate knock out match v Overton, all three of those games KO at 11:00am.

Our congratulations go to Joe Gwyther who progressed successfully through the London & SE Divisional trials last weekend. Joe will again be missing for us this Sunday as he attends the final trial. Joe is one of only two outside halves to make the final trial so we are reasonably optimistic that he'll play a part in the Divisional championship in February. This is a quite outstanding achievement for Joe and reflects well on the club and this squad. We are all immensely proud of him and can't wait to get him back in an Alton shirt and full of confidence from his experience.

There are attendance requests out on Teamer to the following squad for Sunday - please respond asap if you haven't already as there are players who'd love to take your place. See you all Thursday!

Alex Adams; James Airey; Ralph Andrews; Andy Austin; Ed Benn; Ollie Brench; Tom Bugler; James Forrest; Krishna Gurung; Will Hamer; Alex Heath; Charlie Hibbert; Oscar Jermyn; Doug Lowe; Dan Mortara; Ed Pasfield; Joe Randall; Charlie Rands; Ed Simmons; Josh Smith; Adam Stoller; Kit Trigg; Aaron Whatling