Being in neutral territory will make all the difference (5)

I believe the answer is:

alter

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'all the difference' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'being in neutral territory will' is the wordplay.
'being in' indicates a hidden word.
'ALTER' is hidden in the letters of 'neutral territory will'.

'make' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alter that I've seen before include "Bout of extravagant spending" , "Alert to change" , "Vary" , "Make changes to" , "Adapt" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app