AFC Totton
SCOTT STEERS SPIRITED STAGS TO VICTORY
A late Scott Rendell penalty helped AFC Totton to their first league win in four, defeating Salisbury 1-0 at the RayMac Stadium.
Salisbury, who had not lost at home all season, were encouraged by the return of their first-choice goalkeeper, Josh Gould, who recovered from a dislocated finger.
Gould was called into action within five minutes, excellently thwarting Scott Rendell from close range before sprawling across to his left to deny Joe Turner in quick succession.
Both sides struggled to break down equally watertight defences, as Salisbury looked to get the lively Josh Hedges on the ball whenever possible.
The game livened up after the interval - Luke Hallett flashed a header from a corner just wide of the post before he almost inadvertently chested the ball into his own net, only for Lewis Noice to claw the ball off the goal-line.
Shortly after, Totton were gifted an opportunity to take the lead after a controversial penalty was awarded in the 75th minute. The linesman instructed the referee to point to the spot following a suspected handball by Aaron Simpson.
Scott RENDELL made no mistake from twelve yards, powerfully placing the ball high to the right corner.
The Stags would have felt aggrieved not to be given a second penalty after Adam Tomasso was seemingly chopped down on the right, however, the referee waved play on.
Play entered the 103rd minute and, whilst the Whites probed, they could not find the decisive equaliser.
AFC Totton return to action this Tuesday evening when they host Royal Navy FA in the Hampshire Senior Cup.
Final Score: Salisbury 0-1 AFC Totton
Attendance: 948
Star Player: Sam Magri
Entertainment Value: 3/5
Author: Olly Howard
