AFC Totton
WOODWORK COMES TO CHERRIES’ RESCUE IN GOALLESS DRAW
AFC Totton welcomed an AFC Bournemouth XI to the Snows Stadium on Tuesday evening for the fourth pre-season friendly of their summer schedule.
The Stags made a bright start, creating a number of early opportunities inside the opening 10 minutes. Christie Ward went close after battling past former Stag Alfie Merritt to create space for a shot, but his effort sailed over the crossbar. Moments later, Vaughn Covil tested the Bournemouth goalkeeper with a low left-footed strike as Totton looked the more threatening side.
As the first half progressed, Bournemouth began to gain greater control in midfield, limiting the spaces Totton had exploited during the opening stages. Shortly before the interval, the visitors forced Ryan Gosney into action, with the goalkeeper producing a solid save to push a well-struck low effort to safety.
Half-time: 0-0
The Stags emerged for the second half with renewed energy, immediately pinning Bournemouth back inside their own half. Craig Tanner attempted to release Sol Wanjau-Smith with a clipped pass over the top, but the Cherries’ defence reacted well to snuff out the danger.
At the other end, left-back Reuben Austin produced an outstanding last-ditch challenge to deny what looked a certain goalscoring opportunity as Bournemouth threatened on the counter-attack.
Totton continued to dominate proceedings, with the woodwork twice coming to the visitors’ rescue in quick succession. Ward’s acrobatic effort struck the underside of the crossbar but failed to cross the line, before Tony Lee saw his header rebound off the far post as the Stags piled on the pressure entering the final 20 minutes.
Ward was denied again by the Bournemouth goalkeeper, while Ralph Vigrass saw a fierce close-range effort bravely blocked by a defender. Despite Totton’s sustained pressure and a host of second-half chances, Bournemouth stood firm to secure a goalless draw.
Full-time: AFC Totton 0-0 AFC Bournemouth XI
Report by: Adi Rose
