AFC Totton
Photos: John Duncalf
RAMS SHUT THE GATE ON STAGS FA CUP DREAM
AFC Totton’s hopes of reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup vanished as a well-drilled Ramsgate side edged to a 1-0 victory at the Snows.
The Rams and Stags locked horns in the first half with both sides offering very little in an attacking sense, before the away team were awarded a penalty in the 28th minute.
Luke Hallett fouled Jordan Green on the left side of the box, giving Joe Taylor a golden opportunity to break the deadlock.
But last season’s Isthmian Premier Division golden boot winner failed to capitalise; a tame effort well-saved by Lewis Noice down to his right.
AFC Totton grew into the game in the second period, but they were made to pay for a collective lapse in concentation; goalkeeper Tom Hadler’s long kick bounced into the path of JOE TAYLOR, who made amends for his penalty miss by lobbing the ball over Lewis Noice.
AFC Totton probed in the final moments but a combination of dogged midfield battling by Abdul Anidugbe and top-class defending by Joseph Ellul made it difficult to find the decisive equalising goal.
Matty Burrows had a free header which glanced wide and Scott Rendell struck the crossbar in stoppage time, but Ramsgate managed to grind out the victory and progress into the first round.
AFC Totton divert their attentions to league action, where they travel to Sholing on Tuesday.
Author: Olly Howard
Attendance: 1278
Star Player: Joseph Ellul
Entertainment Value: 4/5
