AFC Totton
Photo courtesy of Fin Hall
By Cameron Meech
AFC Totton completed the double over Dover Athletic in a fiery encounter at the Snows Stadium.
The visitors started the better and forced Jacob Knightbridge into an early double save, denying George Nikaj's deflected effort before saving from Decarrey Sherrif on the follow-up.
However, following that moment, The Stags dominated proceedings with Christos Batzelis' cut back, finding an unmarked Tony Lee whose effort narrowly evaded the far post.
The Stags opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Declan Rose's cross was met by Dan O’Connor, who steered the ball into the path of Scott Rendell to tap home!
Dover were then reduced to ten men after Harry Beale appeared to elbow Ralph Vigrass on half an hour, giving the visitors a mountain to climb.
Totton doubled their lead four minutes later with Rose the architect again, with his corner finding the head of Luke Hallett to finish beyond Walker.
Following the dismissal, Totton were all over their visitors, and Tyler Cordner's arrowed cross found Lee who missed the target.
Totton almost made the perfect start to the second half when Ralph Vigrass cleverly found Luke Hallett however his effort was denied by Walker.
Tony Lee rounded off the victory four minutes after the break, picking up the ball on the edge of the box before turning and releasing a rocket into the bottom corner.
The forward had the ball in the net twenty minutes later however this time was denied by the flag.
Clever link-up from Rose and Vigrass set up Lee; however, Totton's top scorer fired over from close range.
Referee Morgan Conn then made it ten against ten for the final few moments after an altercation between Sheriff and Osborne left the latter dismissed.
However, the damage was already complete, keeping the Stags 100% home record in 2026 intact.
A second win in five lifts the Stags up to 13th and just five points off the playoffs.
The Stags are next in action on Tuesday night as they visit Maidenhead.
AFC Totton: 31. Jacob Knightbridge, 3. Brandon Haunstrup (Luke Bennett 76'), 5. Luke Hallett (Mike Carter 64'), 6. Dan O'Connor, 9. Scott Rendell (C) (Josh Dolling 70'), 10. Tony Lee (Jaiden Bartolo 74'), 12. Charlie Osborne, 17. Declan Rose, 21. Christos Batzelis, 23. Ralph Vigrass (Ash Clarke 76'), & Tyler Cordner.
Unused subs: 2. Joe Oastler & 27. Craig Tanner.
Attendance: 1421
GO STAGS
