AFC Totton
10-MAN STAGS BATTLE HARD TO CLAIM ALL THREE POINTS
AFC TOTTON KICKED-OFF the 2024/25 season at home to Walton & Hersham with an opening day win, despite having a player sent-off shortly before the half-time interval.
The first chance of the game fell to the Stags through Tony Lee, with an ambitious 30-yard volley that sailed just over the bar.
Minutes later, the visitors had a penalty shout waved away by the referee, much to their annoyance in a frantic opening five minutes.
The Stags continued to dominate the opening stages as Marcus Daws saw his curled effort blocked.
Stags’ defender Joe Oastler was booked for stopping a Walton & Hersham counter-attack a little too forcefully.
The Swans continued their momentum moments later when Jaden Crowhurst found himself one-on-one with Totton goalkeeper Josh Gould but failed to capitalise.
The visitors were made to rue that missed chance on 23 minutes. A superb counter-attack was led by Tom Blair, who picked out Marcus DAWS to slot home for a goal on his competitive AFC Totton debut.
Tony Lee had the next chance of the game five minutes from the interval with a 25-yard free kick, which he sent narrowly over the bar.
Minutes later, Totton midfielder Josh Owers saw red when a high boot made contact with a Swans player’s midriff.
A double substitution from Jimmy Bull saw Charlie Austin and defender Charlie Kennedy replace attackers Tom Blair and Marcus Daws at the start of the second half.
Despite being down to 10 men, the first chance of the second half fell to Austin who headed just over.
The visitor’s momentum grew, forcing Stags keeper Gould into a fine save from point blank range following a Rogalski shot.
Scott Rendell came close to making it two after a defence spitting one-two between him and Austin ended with him volleying just wide.
Gould was called into action again, making another point-blank save to keep the home side's lead in tact.
Back up the other end, Lee had a double chance at extending The Stags' lead but both stung Josiah Barker’s palms.
Eight minutes from time, Austin was booked by referee Adrian Harris following a scuffle with a Walton & Hersham player.
The Stags dug deep to earn all three points and will look to carry momentum into Tuesday’s game at rivals Sholing.
Final Score: AFC TOTTON 1-0 WALTON & HERSHAM
Attendance: 980
Player of the match: Josh Gould
Entertainment Value: 4/5
Author: John Duncalf
Images: Sayers Sports Photography
