AFC Totton
Photo courtesy of Fin Hall
By Josh Cole
The Stags gave it their all but were ultimately bested and suffered a 2-0 away defeat at York Road against Maidenhead United.
It was the home side on top from the word go, with Liam Dulson proving to be a threat from the off.
Seven minutes in and Maidenhead had the ball in the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on Ryan Gosney.
Just four minutes later, The Magpies’ early dominance had a reward with an opener through Josh Umerah.
Dulson’s shot deflected into the path of Umerah and his shot got through Gosney and trickled over the line.
Still it was Maidenhead who continued to create the better chances and on 22 minutes, Dulson pounced on a poor back pass and he rounded Gosney but saw his effort cleared off the line.
After the half-hour mark, Totton started to have a spell of possession and it created a first real opening for The Stags but Christie Ward dragged his shot wide from the edge of the box.
In the 40th minute, the home side doubled their lead and it was Josh Popoola with the goal, a rocket into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Totton entered the half two down, with a reply needed in the second 45’ for any chance of points.
Once more though, Maidenhead came out the blocks early and five minutes into the second half, it was Dulson causing problems again forcing Gosney into a diving save.
56 minutes in and Totton forced the Maidenhead ‘keeper into a great save as a deep corner was met, acrobatically, by Ward but his effort was matched by a low save from Jordi Van Stappershoef.
Ten minutes later another good chance fell to Totton, this time it was Malachi Linton who had a driven shot saved by the ‘keeper.
Dulson had another attempt on goal in the 80th minute but Gosney denied him again with a full stretch save.
The game then started to wind down, Totton continuing to give it everything, throwing Luke Hallett and Tyler Cordner forward and having good spells of possession but nothing fell our way and we didn’t get that stroke of luck.
A depleted Stags squad fought bravely right until the final whistle but the game ended in defeat and reinforced the narrative that more numbers are needed with games coming thick and fast.
AFC Totton XI: 13. Ryan Gosney, 2. Alfie Merritt (Sam Tinubu 80’), 5. Luke Hallett, 7. Ash Clarke, 11. Malachi Linton, 12. Charlie Osborne, 17. Dec Rose, 18. Jaiden Bartolo (Dan O’Connor 72’), 19. Christie Ward, 26. Tyler Cordner & 28. Jacob Towns.
Unused subs: 4. Mike Carter & 22. Luke Bennett
Attendance: 759
GO STAGS
