Totton Move Up To Third In Table With Win

By Cameron Meech

AFC Totton continued their impressive early-season form with a narrow 2-1 win over promotion rivals Hemel Hempstead at the Snows Stadium.

The Stags rise to third in the National League South, stretching their unbeaten run to seven in all competitions inflicting the Tudors second defeat of the season.

First half goals from Tyler Cordner and Ashley Clark gave the hosts a convincing lead; however, Mathews Lewis half the deficit just before the break

The game started scrappy with both sides being sloppy on the ball.

The Stags took an early lead when Declen Rose's corner found the head of Tyler Cordner, who rose highest to score his second this week.

Totton nearly doubled their lead when Luke Bennet's cut back found Bournemouth loanee Ashley Clark, whose effort dragged wide of the post.

Clark then made it two, drifting into the box before drilling the ball into the top of the net, with that being his fourth this campaign.

The Tudors then halved the deficit with a long ball into the box from Joe Williams, found Samual Adenola, who played it across to Miller Mathews Lewis to tap home.

That being the strikers sixth of the season.

Lee Allison's side was almost level from kick-off when the goalscorer Mathews Lews found Achuba, whose effort was saved well by Gosney.

Totton then went down the other end with Clark playing in Bennett; however, it was well cut out by the onrushing Johnson.

The visitors controlled the proceedings without creating any clear-cut opportunities.

The south coast side then had a half chance when a rose’s free kick found the header of Oastler who headed over from close range.

Substitute Dawion Dawich went close to the equaliser with his fizzing shot, stinging the palms of Gosney.

The home side then had a huge penalty appeal waved away when Clark was brought down in the area by Ajayi.

Joe White then headed over for the visitors from a Devante cross, with the finish summing up their afternoon.

Totton then had a big left off when the goalscorer Mathews Lewis was left with all the time; however, his effort dragged wide of the target with the flag up.

Deep into second-half stoppage time, the lively Adenola found substitute Adebola Azeez, who fired over, causing a huge cheer from the stands.

Totton almost sealed it up when a clever free kick found Malachi Linton, who, off balance, struck over.

Full-time, three points for Totton and up to third now in the table, whilst Hemel are 6th.