AFC Totton
Photo courtesy of Fin Hall
By Josh Cole
AFC Totton progress into the next round of the FA Trophy after a 1-2 away win against Folkestone Invicta!
It was a long trip from Totton to the Kent coast for the second round of The Trophy!
And in the early opening exchanges, the game was very fast paced with lots of chances early on, especially for Folkestone.
Just two minutes in, Josh Strouts attacked down the right, got into the box and fired shot towards the near post, which was saved by Max Evans.
The first half saw a lot of Folkestone possession and a couple of good opportunities, equalled by Evans though in net!
With 29 minutes on the clock, Jake Hutchinson fired the hosts in front.
It was a mistake from The Stags giving possession to Folkestone and within two passes the ball was played through to Hutchinson, who one-on-one slotted the ball into the corner of Evans’ net.
Just ten minutes later, the Stags were back on level terms through Malachi Linton.
Superb play down the left-hand side from Brandon Haunstrup and Christos Batzelis which opened up space for Totton’s attacking fullback to maraud forward and pull the ball back for Linton, who guided a left-footed effort into the far corner for the equaliser!
This gave AFC Totton a lot of confidence to finish the half strong and go into the break at one goal apiece!
It really was a game of two halves as Folkestone did dominate the ball in the first half, well it was The Stags’ turn to keep possession for the second half!
It was a real clinic of how to hold onto the ball and really knock the wind out of your opponent.
There was chance after chance for Totton created from all sides but just couldn’t put them away.
The 65th minute saw the best chance of the half yet, fall to Ralph Vigrass.
His left footed shot was blocked into the air by John-Michael Odeniran and the ball looped towards the goal. Waiting inside the six-yard box was Scott Rendwll and as the ‘keeper, ted Collins clawed the ball off the line, Rendell pounced but somehow, through a combination of Collins and Kevin Lokko the ball was cleared.
Then five minutes later a bit of brilliance from Batzelis graced the field.
He originally got the ball out on the left flank and dribbled all the way inside across the box to about the centre of the pitch and using his right foot, curled an effort just wide of the post.
More chances came and went but The Stags FINALLY got the goal they deserved!
The 89th minute saw a gorgeous through ball from Craig Tanner, perfectly finding the run of Scott Rendell through the middle of the Folkestone backline and Scott finished the chance to win the game for The Stags!
Folkestone did have three corners in additional time to which they sent everyone forward but Totton defended it and are in the hat for the next round!
AFC Totton XI: 1. Max Evans, 2. Joe Oastler ©, 3. Brandon Haunstrup, 5. Luke Hallett, 8. Lee Hodson, 10. Tony Lee (Scott Rendell 45’), 11. Malachi Linton, 21. Christos Batzelis, 22. Luke Bennett (Declan Rose 77’), 23. Ralph Vigrass (Tyler Cordner 90+1’) & 27. Craig Tanner.
Unused sub: 20. Ryan Jackson
Attendance: 1,053
GO STAGS
