AFC Totton
RAILWAYMEN RUN OUT OF STEAM AS STAGS STAMPEDE
AFC Totton ground out a narrow 1-0 victory against bottom-placed, 10-man Didcot Town at Loop Meadow.
The Oxfordshire outfit were one of six home teams in the division whose game was played after adverse weather conditions across the country caused five Southern League Premier Division South games to be postponed.
Both teams struggled to adapt to a pitch in relatively poor condition, as the game lacked any real quality or clear-cut chances.
However, the turning point came in the 39th minute when Tony LEE dubiously scored his third goal in two games, nodding home Charlie Kennedy's out-swinging cross following a smart corner routine.
The Railwaymen felt that the striker was in an offside position, specifically the goalkeeper, Leigh Bedwell, who was issued a straight red card for abusing the officials.
Bedwell was also sent off in the reverse fixture back in October, where the Stags ran out 7-1 winners - Jamie Heapy, the Didcot manager, called natural centre-back Leo Galpin from the bench to deputise in goal.
The makeshift goalkeeper was assured as the game remained at 1-0 and, despite the numerical disadvantage and outfield player in goal, it was Didcot who looked the more likely to score.
The Railwaymen almost found an important equaliser in the last minute, only for on-loan Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Tommy Reid to make a crucial stop to thwart the Didcot attacker.
The win moves AFC Totton up to fourth in the table, usurping Merthyr Town, whilst Didcot are eleven points adrift from safety at the foot of the table.
Final Score: Didcot Town 0-1 AFC Totton
Star Player: Adam Learoyd
Entertainment Value: 3/5
Author: Olly Howard
