AFC Totton
AFC Stoneham v AFC Totton Hampshire Senior Cup 2nd round preview
This coming wednesday (14th) the Stags are back in action when they play the re-arranged Hampshire Senior Cup 2nd round tie at AFC Stoneham’s Elliott’s Arena (7.45pm). The game was originally scheduled for Wednesday of last week, but heavy rain last Tuesday left the pitch waterlogged, and it was still unplayable last Wednesday evening.
Our hosts AFC Stoneham will present the Stags with a stern test. The Eastleigh based club were promoted from the Hampshire League last season, so they are new to the Sydenhams Wessex League and they are adapting to the higher standard pretty well. They currently sit in 7th place out of 18 sides in Sydenhams Wessex Division One, but they come into the clash with the Stags on the back of a 2-0 home defeat to our neighbours Totton & Eling last Saturday.
The Stags manager Steve Hollick told the Stags website that he is treating the Hampshire Senior Cup seriously. He went on to explain that he may give playing time to a few players that need it, but he is taking the whole first team squad, so he will not be taking AFC Stoneham Lightly that is for sure.
It is worth pointing out that AFC Stoneham have already had to negotiate their way through the first round of the Hants Senior Cup by beating Andover New Street 2-1. As all Totton fans are aware the Hants Senior Cup is a competition that the Stags have won twice. Totton won it in 2010 by beating Aldershot 4-0 in the final at Dean Court and in 2011 the Stags won it by beating Sholing 3-1 at St Mary’s. The Stags also reached the final in 2012 where they lost 2-0 to Eastleigh at St Mary’s and I am sure the Steve Hollick would love to see his side go some way to matching those feats.
Going into this tie, Totton boss Hollick will be really encouraged by the performance of his side in the 2-2 draw at home to Tiverton on Saturday. The lads played some terrific football at times and they were somewhat unfortunate to not get all three points against a decent side. If they can bring that level of performance into the AFC Stoneham tie then Hollick will be delighted I am sure.
Directions to AFC Stonehams ground.
Leave M27 at Junction 5. Turn into Stoneham Lane & pass the rear of Eastleigh Football Club. At end of Stoneham Lane (mini roundabout), turn left into Chestnut Avenue. Entrance to ground is on the left and shared with Chandlers Ford Golf Academy.
Nearest Train Station:
Southampton Parkway
We would like to thank Bilcliff photography for the photo. https://www.facebook.com/BilcliffPhotography
