AFC Totton
LATE STAGS COMEBACK BURIES NINE-MAN BORO'
IT WAS A TALE OF TWO HALVES at the Snows Stadium in a match that started slowly before concluding at breakneck speed.
Charlie Austin was controlling the show and had a part to play in the first big chance in the 11th minute, setting up Ethan Taylor, the resulting finish whistling just past the right-hand post.
Austin once more turned creator, setting up Tom Blair before he picked out Taylor who failed to convert as the first half reached an uneventful conclusion.
Against the run of play, Alfie STANLEY scored five minutes into the second half, the ex-AFC Totton player coming back to haunt his former side. Charlie Wassmer won a header inside the box before a scramble led to a poacher’s finish to open the scoring from close range.
A red card was shown to Gosport’s Danny Hollands for a foul on Adam Tomasso to tee up an eventful conclusion to the match. Adding to Gosport’s woes, they were then sent down to 9-men, this time Charlie Wassmer receiving his marching orders for a cynical tackle on Tony Lee. The resulting free kick was played short to Taylor, but his attempt was cleared off the line by brilliant Harry Lee defending.
Ben Seymour was sent on to make the two-man advantage count and instantly made himself a threat, giving the visitors major problems with his runs in behind.
Gosport keeper Adam Parkes began to stand out as one of the match's best performers, but he could do nothing to stop a quick breakaway from the Stags. Tony LEE raided in from the right and despite Parkes getting a hand on the shot the ball crept inside the post with 10 minutes to go.
Seymour played his part in the eventual winning goal for the home side. After his initial cross was turned away, he regained possession on the right and his centre flicked off Cameron Murray for Scott RENDELL to head home.
Charlie Austin almost added to the score late on with an acrobatic effort that would have undoubtedly been classed goal of the season, but Parkes caught it comfortably.
Full-Time: AFC TOTTON 2-1 GOSPORT BOROUGH
Attendance: 1,405
Star Man: Ben SEYMOUR (AFC Totton)
Entertainment Value: 4/5
Author: Ashley Whiteway
Images courtesy of HARVEY GERRING
View the full GALLERY from AFC Totton 2-1 Gosport Borough
Watch JIMMY BALL'S Post-Match Interview
Watch SCOTT RENDELL'S Post-Match Interview
