AFC Totton
AFC Totton began their 2026/27 season at home with a late 1-0 win over newly promoted Billericay Town at the Snows Stadium.
Second half substitute Ibby Olateju headed home Wanjau-Smith's cross in the sixth minute of stoppage time to ensure back to back wins for the Stags.
The Stags who won at Farnham last Saturday now sit third in the National League South.
Billericay, promoted from the Isthmian League Premier via the play-offs last season, started the brighter and came close through Jon Benton; however, his strike from the edge of the box flashed wide.
The Visitors continued to put pressure on the Stags' goal minutes later after Macauley Bonne played in Frankie Merrifield, who, one-on-one, could not beat keeper Ryan Gosney.
Scott Rendell’s side had their first opportunity just before the half hour through Sol Wanjau- Smith who from a tight angle forced Joe Wright into a smart save.
The Stags came close again on 36 minutes through Tony Lee who from the edge of the box stung the gloves of Keeper Wright before Ralph Vigrass' goalward effort was blocked moments later.
Totton came close to breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time after Lee met Craig Tanner’s corner; however, his header could only find the gloves of Wright.
The hosts began the second half quickly with both Lee and last week's hero Christie Ward striking over inside the opening five minutes.
Billericay came close on the hour after a quick counter from Bonne; however, his cut back to Elliot Long was excellently cut out by keeper Gosney.
The Stags went close twice in the last 20 with Lee heading over Tanner's deep cross before Wanjau-Smith forced keeper Wright into a save at his near post.
However, the end to end flow continued with the Blues coming close to the opener on 72 minutes through substitute Charlie Ruff who’s effort flew over.
Christie Ward came inches away from making it two in two; however, his header from Rose’s free kick found the side netting.
Wanjau-Smith spurned a golden opportunity on 82 minutes after Tanner's cross deflected into the path of the former Chippenham Town winger at the back post, who fired over.
Totton dominated the final proceedings of the match and came close through substitute Luke Bennett, who met Josh Sims' cross; however, his effort was blocked.
The Stags broke the deadlock in the sixth minute of the stoppage time after substitute Ibby Olateju headed home Wanjau-Smith cross.
AFC Totton are back at home on Tuesday evening as they welcome Dorking Wanderers to the Snows Stadium.
AFC Totton : 13.Ryan Gonsey , 2.Charlie Betts , 3.Ruben Austin (Chandler 75’) , 5.Luke Hallett (Sims 75’) , 8.Reece Fleet © , 10.Tony Lee , 11. Sol Wanjau-Smith , 17.Dec Rose , 19.Christie Ward (Bennett , 23. Ralph Vigrass ( Olateju 64’) , 27.Craig Tanner
GO STAGS
