AFC Totton
STAGS WIN AS FARNBOROUGH FALL SHORT
AFC Totton 3 Farnborough 1
The Stags had another home pre-season friendly this afternoon as they hosted Farnborough of the Isthmian League Premier Division. Totton were today without No.1 keeper Steve Mowthorpe, Roden, White and Rawkins who were unavailable along with Marc Diaper and Taylor Edwards who both have injuries. However, Gosney, Allen and Bridge all returned to the starting XI today.
Farnborough were out of the traps quickest today and had 2 quick attempts in the first 4 minutes of the game, but neither of these troubled Kieran Greene in the Stags goal. Totton then worked their way back into the game, as both sides tried to get the upper hand. 2 corners in quick succession came to nothing for The Stags, but they wouldn’t have to wait long for their 1st goal of the afternoon. With just under 15 minutes gone, Nick Watts played the ball in towards Craig FEENEY, who turned sharply, leaving his marker on his heels and rifled in a shot at the near post, which the keeper could do nothing about. That goal seemed to give The Stags a spring in their step, as just 5 minutes later, the lead was doubled. After Hibberd did well to win a corner, Gosney whipped the ball in and after a few deflections in the area, the ball dropped for Tony ROLLS, who swept the ball in and claimed his 1st AFC Totton goal. By this point, The Stags really seemed to have the visitors reeling and were beginning to play some lovely football. A great passing move saw Gosney play a lovely ball with the outside of his boot for Feeney, who then moved the ball on for Nick Watts who squared for Sherborne and his effort was denied only by the woodwork. Towards the end of the 1st half, Farnborough again got themselves back into the game, but were unable to offer any kind of real danger until the 43rd minute, when Kieran Greene came out and made himself big to win a one on one situation. HT 2-0
Farnborough made multiple changes at the break, whereas Totton made just the 1, with Mark Lilley coming on to replace Sherborne.
It wasn’t long into the second half and The Stags continued to play some good football, making things difficult for The Yellows. Gosney and Lilley combined well, before the move was broken down by the defence. Around the hour mark, Jake Burgess came on to replace Dave Allen. Shortly after the substitution, Farnborough seemed to have more intent in their build ups and on 61 minutes, they earned their reward. Again, Kieran Greene made another good save, having been put in a one on one situation, however, this time Farnborough’s advancing forward SCORED with a well placed shot through 2 or 3 Totton defenders. It only turned out to be a consolation goal for the visitors in the end though. With just under 15 minutes left, The Stags struck again. This time, a Gosney corner wasn’t dealt with by the Farnborough defence and Mark Lilley was on hand to pick up the pieces and smash the ball home from around 12 yards out. The Stags weren’t content with just 3 goals though and went on the hunt for more and nearly got one. As the game entered the final 10 minutes, Gosney cleared the ball long, following a set piece, which was chased down by Watts who had and effort blocked inside the 6 yard box, followed by Lilley who endured the same outcome. FT 3-1
Today, The Stags ran out deserved winners against a Farnborough side, who reportedly had lots of trialists and unknowns in their team. However, Totton can only play whoever is put in front of them and they certainly did that very well today. It should give the players another boost of confidence after the first loss in pre-season on Thursday, not only that, but the players have also shown just what lovely football they can play, given the opportunity. The players seem to be very happy in the new way that manager Steve Hollick has asked them to play. It is definitely pleasing on the eye for the supporters!
The Stags now move on and continue their pre-season schedule with a short trip to Bemerton Heath Harlequins this coming Tuesday 28th July, with a 7.45pm kick off.
By Adi Rose at Testwood Stadium
Stags Lineup: Greene, Hibberd, *Rolls, Dempsey, Bridge, *Williams, *Allen, Watts, Gosney, *Sherborne, Feeney.
Subs: Burgess, Beckles, Lilley, Manning.
Unused Subs: Hollick, Burch.
(*substituted)
