AFC Totton
Heineken MOTM: Lewis Noice
DEFIANT DEFENCE AND LONG BALL REIGNS SUPREME
AFC Totton progressed to the next round of the Izuzu FA Trophy after a dogged 2-1 victory over Plymouth Parkway.
A stagnant start by both sides meant it was a game of fouls to begin, a free kick by Leon Maloney in 14-minute found SAM MAGRI at the back post unmarked, who headed the ball across a stationary ‘keeper into the bottom corner.
Parkway managed to find their foot in the game, any forward movement going through Rio Garside.
A tight Totton defence and passive Plymouth attack meant Parkway had to rely on long shots, the best chance of the first half fell to Parkway’s Michael Williams, as Totton failed to clear a bouncing ball; the forward’s close range effort smashed off the post.
Plymouth started how they finished the opening half, but a switch in formation by Totton from five defenders to four gave the Stags more control in the midfield.
Momentum shifted as Totton’s Matty Burrows was introduced, a long ball flicked on by captain Scott Rendell put BURROWS through on goal, and the 21-year-old’s first-time cool finish put the Stags two to the good.
Parkway finally had their goal at 93 minutes, after a cross was turned home by DYLAN JONES who smashed it in, but it proved too late for an equaliser as full time blew a minute later.
AFC Totton will feature in the FA cup next weekend as they host Ramsgate.
Author: PIRAN PHILLIPS
Photos: Craig Hobbs Photography
Media Team Man of the match: Matty Burrows
Heineken MOTH: Lewis Noice
Attendance: 376
Match entertainment: 3/5
