AFC Totton
TOTTON BEAT HANWELL TO MAINTAIN PRESSURE AT THE TOP
AFC Totton continued their fine form at the Snows Stadium with a comfortable 2-0 win over Hanwell Town this afternoon with goals from Charlie Austin and Ashley Clarke.
The Stags started brightly and nearly took an early lead when Tony Blair’s dangerous cross to the back-post found Austin on the stretch, but he was unable to divert his volley past Hanwell goalkeeper Sam Beasant.
Hanwell were rewarded for their difficult set-piece plays when referee Daniel Lamport awarded a penalty after a collision in the box from a corner, but Jordan Edwards’ strike was palmed away by Joshua Gould to spare Totton’s blushes.
The Stags broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Luke Bennett’s fantastic ball to the back-post was met by Charlie AUSTIN who opened the scoring in excellent fashion, becoming Totton’s top goalscorer this season on six goals.
Hanwell started the second-half with high levels of energy, looking to find a way back into the game but the hosts doubled their lead on the counterattack when Ashley CLARKE collected a loose ball, ran three-quarters the length of the pitch and fired into the bottom-left corner to seal the win.
Totton nearly added a third shortly after when Blair teed up Austin, but his header failed to test Beasant from close range.
Hanwell pushed to forge a comeback late in the second-half, but the Stags defended resolutely to confirm the three points.
Full-Time: AFC TOTTON 2-0 HANWELL TOWN
Attendance: 1,313
Star Man: Luke BENNETT (AFC Totton)
Entertainment Value: 3/5
Author: Matthew COOK
Images courtesy of Harvey Gerring Photography
Watch JIMMY BALL'S Post-Match Interview
Watch LUKE BENNETT'S Post-Match Interview
