STAGS THROUGH TO HAMPSHIRE SENIOR CUP FINAL
AFC Totton progress through to the Servio Hampshire Senior Cup Final, after defeating AFC Bournemouth's Development Squad in the Semi-Final at the Snows Stadium.
The Stags rotated their starting eleven, having played two days ago at Tiverton Town in the Southern League Premier Division South.
The two teams had a great deal of back and forth in the early stages, both sides playing some technically excellent football.
Joan Luque showed some individual brilliance, as he received the ball on the left flank and nutmegged his man to get to the byline.
The Stags struck first, as Scott Rendell and Ethan Taylor played a one-two, the winger spotting Joan LUQUE on the edge of the six-yard box to tap into an empty net.
A well worked move forced Tommy Reid into a brilliant save down low to deny Bournemouth an equaliser. Karlos Gregory had an opportunity to equalise for The Cherries also, but his shot went narrowly wide of the far post.
Totton doubled their advantage twelve minutes before half-time. Benny Read cut inside from the right and played a through ball, allowing Scott RENDELL to place his shot beyond Cherries' 'keeper Callan McKenna, sending The Stags in at the interval with a two-nil lead.
Totton added a third shortly after the second half began, as Luke HALLETT rose high to head home from a corner.
The Cherries registered a consolation goal through Dominic SADI’S exquisite curled free-kick around the wall into the bottom corner late into the second half.
Totton will face either AFC Portchester or Southampton U21s in the Final; their Semi-Final is scheduled to take place at Portchester's Wicor Recreation Ground on Tuesday 26 March. In the meantime, The Stags return to league action at Chesham United on Saturday, aiming to continue their promotion charge.
Final Score: AFC Totton 3-1 AFC Bournemouth
Attendance: 380
Man of the Match: Benny Read
Entertainment Value: 4/5
Author: Liam Warren