AFC Totton
STAGS SWEEP INTO SOUTHAMPTON SEMI-FINAL
AFC Totton booked their place in the Southampton Divisional FA Cup Semi-Final with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Folland Sports.
Totton, three divisions above their opponents, looked to assert their dominance from the off, delivering a number of dangerous balls into the box, with Ethan Taylor and Zidan Akers both testing Joshua Hoey in goal but unable to find a way through. The Stags finally got the reward for their attacking endeavour in the 40th minute, with academy graduate Owen PELHAM smashing an effort home from just outside the box. The hosts then doubled the lead before the break, Zidan AKERS cutting onto his favoured right foot to squeeze a shot into the bottom corner for his first goal in Totton colours.
The second half mirrored the first, with the home side dominating possession against a resolute away defence, and Totton sealed their Semi-Final berth after good play down the right flank saw Hoey tip an effort onto the bar, only for the ball to ricochet to Ethan TAYLOR who rifled a driven effort into the bottom corner. Folland, to their credit, refused to let their heads drop, and won a free-kick deep in stoppage time which Ashton PALMER curled beautifully into the top corner.
The final whistle blew soon after to cheers from the home support, as well as supporters from Southampton and Preston North End, who were granted free entry to the ground as a goodwill gesture after the late postponement of the game at St. Mary’s.
Final Score: AFC Totton 3-1 Folland Sports
Attendance: 386
Star Player: Owen Pelham
Entertainment Value: 3/5
Author: Benjamin Rees
