Match Report – Banbury Utd

BANBURY TOO HOT FOR TOTTON

AFC Totton 0-4 Banbury United

Attendance – 300

Totton went into this game, missing several key players, including Mike Gosney and Marc Diaper as well as Tony Lee and Jack Alexander, who’d both joined back up with Eastleigh as part of their duel registration requirements.

Banbury set out their intentions early on in the game as they looked to get at The Stags very quickly. Duran Martin was allowed to run at James Roden, but his attempted through ball, only ran through to Steve Mowthorpe. The visitors came again though and this time, forced Mowthorpe into a superb save to keep the scores level, after Leam Howards had been put in on goal. Banbury got their reward for a quick start and it came after just 7 minutes. A long ball played out from the back, found the run of the in-form Ricky JOHNSON and he finished off with a well placed shot into the corner of the net. The visitors immediately seemed more comfortable on the ball and really began to make life difficult for Totton, although Nick Watts had a half chance, as he ran at Banbury’s defence, causing a panic, but he could only shoot on his left foot and it was comfortable for Jack Harding to deal with in ‘The Puritans’ goal.

Banbury doubled their lead in the 18th minute, as another precise ball, found HOWARDS and he did the rest, firing home with confidence. Just 4 minutes later, Johnson was unlucky not to extend Banbury’s lead after a header cannoned back off the crossbar. The Stags continued to work away and Luke Dempsey headed over from a Jake Rawkins corner. But the Oxfordshire outfit were very organized and difficult to fluster. As half time approached, Mowthorpe was alert again, to deny Ricky Johnson, but the visitors would be going in at the break with the advantage. HT 0-2.

The Stags started the second half with a bit of intent, as the ball was worked out to the left flank for Rawkins to be able to deliver a brilliant cross for Sherborne, who was arriving at the back post, in what was a good move by Totton, but Sherborne couldn’t really control his effort on goal as he had to stretch and the ball went harmlessly wide. Banbury were soon back on the attack down the other end. Darvis Browe with the chance to cross in for the unmarked Ricky JOHNSON, who headed home, to the joy of the travelling supporters behind the goal. Just on the hour mark, Browe was having more joy as he had the time and space to shoot, but his effort cracked off the bar and the ball was cleared up field.

Taylor Edwards then had arguably Totton’s best chance of the game when he found some space between Wise and Evan, to run into with the ball at his feet, he then looked up and tried to place his shot beyond Harding, but he didn’t catch it sweetly and it was a comfortable save for the keeper. Banbury were more or less in control for the remainder of the half, although The Stags kept battling away and eventually, it was the visitors and Ricky Johnson who had the last say. Another corner was swung in and JOHNSON rose ️well to meet it and to complete his hat trick and net his sides 4th of the game. FT 0-4.

The Stags now have a chance to mix things up in the Russell Cotes Cup this Wednesday 28th October (7.45pm) when they visit local rivals Sholing. The next league game for Totton comes this Saturday 31st October (3pm) as they travel to Burnham.

Stags Lineup: Mowthorpe, Dempsey, Hibberd, Williams, Roden**, Simpson, Watts*, Allen, Edwards***, Sherborne, Rawkins.

Subs: Rolls**, Burgess*, Wagstaffe, Brewer***, Lilley.