AFC Totton
STAGS GRIND OUT NARROW WIN IN SOMERSET
AFC Totton put the midweek disappointment of defeat at title rivals Sholing behind them to bounce straight back with a single-goal victory at Paulton Rovers.
In a tightly-contested first half, Charlie Davis came closest to breaking the deadlock, latching onto a dropping ball to half-volley past the left post from outside the box. Totton bossed possession while Rovers defended steadfastly, posing a threat on the counter-attack without fashioning opportunities to trouble Charlie Searle in The Stags’ goal.
In the second half, Jack Masterton’s curling 25-yard free-kick was saved by Aaron Sainsbury at his bottom-right corner, striker Tommy Wright blazing the rebound over the bar.
A fast Paulton Rovers counter-attack in the 58th minute ended with Joe Morgan bundling his way past a challenge and firing narrowly wide to the left. Then, Totton’s Ethan Taylor went down in the box – the Referee waved play on.
Clever play by Benny Read and Conor Whiteley on 72 minutes enabled Read to get in down the right and fizz in a low cross for Scott RENDELL to convert from close range.
Taylor had a chance to add a late second but Sainsbury saved with his left foot.
Paulton pressed for a late equaliser. Totton’s central defensive partnership of Charlie Kennedy and Luke Hallett dealt with the aerial bombardment, then Rovers’ Edward Butcher picked up a loose ball and weaved infield from the right wing before striking a dipping left-footed effort just over the bar.
FT: Paulton Rovers 0-1 AFC Totton
Southern League Div.1 South
Star Player: Ethan Taylor
Entertainment Value: 3/5
Attendance: 155
Author: Ben Rochey-Adams
Images courtesy of Craig Hobbs Photography
