Barnston didn’t get the rub of their green as key decisions went against them in their first league game in four weeks.

The game started brightly for the visitors who pressed really well on a pitch that was very soft underfoot.

The first chance fell to Mitch Simmonds who twisted and turned the defender and caused the keeper to make a smart save down to his right.

Almost immediately the home team took the lead, the striker hitting a low shot which gave Charlie Turner no chance.

Alresford then scored a second in controversial circumstances. Firstly a soft free kick was given and the ball was sent in, before Alresford’s midfielder deliberately put the ball in with his hand. The referee deemed it fair and awarded the goal.

Undeterred, Barnston came out in the second half still pressing and had a header from Simmons well saved and a shot from Kieran Heap that went close.

The pressure told as they got back in the game on the 50 minute mark when a free kick from Tommy Hayes eluded all the players and nestled in the bottom corner. It was game on and gave the visitors the initiative to push forward again.

It looked like only one team would push on when another controversial decision went against Barnston. A penalty was given on visitor’s keeper Turner after he had come off his line and seemed to make no contact with the player. The penalty was awarded and Alresford scored from it, putting the game beyond reach.

Barnston did though, have a great chance to score so after when Simmonds was put through after a flick on by Hancock, but he scuffed his shot when one on one with the goalkeeper.

Barnston boss Luke Nash was disappointed with the result but pleased with the display. He said: “We worked very hard and could easily have won the game. The key decisions of the handball and penalty did not go our way and have left a bad taste in the mouth of those connected.

“Although deeply disappointed I am sure we can build on this performance.”