AFC Totton
Photos courtesy of Harvey Gerring
By Charlie Stevens
AFC Totton’s cup run comes to an end in Macclesfield after an enthralling encounter finished 6-3 in favour of the hosts.
The game was decorated in a plethora of attacking quality from both teams, providing the perfect watch for the neutral fan.
The deadlock was broken only six minutes into the match as Danny Elliott was able to head home Josh Kay’s pinpoint cross.
Moments later Tony Lee levelled the scoring as he glanced a header of his own into the back of the net from Craig Tanner’s in swinging cross.
The goals just kept on coming as Elliott grabbed his second goal of the game in the 14th minute, tapping the ball into an empty net following Matt Hall’s initial save.
The flurry of early goals continued as Scott Rendell scored three minutes later to bring The Stags onto level terms once more.
Lee clipped an inviting ball to the back post following a delicate pass from Christie Ward, with Rendell able to stab the ball over the line with his left foot.
In the 27th minute Rendell gave Totton the lead the first time in the match, rifling a terrific volley over the head of Macclesfield ‘keeper Max Dearnley.
However, just like The Silkmen before them, The Stags were unable to hold onto the lead as Elliott completed his hat-trick to leave the contest at 3-3 after 36 minutes.
An absolute whirlwind of a first half ended 3-3, however within a minute of the second half starting Macclesfield took a 4-3 lead.
The Silkmen’s captain Paul Dawson fired his low driven shot past Hall, giving the home side something to build on for the rest of the game.
Totton were made to defend resiliently as the second 45 minutes progressed, the hosts enjoying a period of dominance in possession.
However, Macclesfield got their reward for their relentless pressure as Rollin Menayese put the hosts 5-3 up in the 64th minute.
Chaos ensued in the Totton penalty area following a Macclesfield corner, with Menayese quickest to react and fire the ball into the roof of the net.
Skipper Rendell tried to drag the Stags back into the game with a long-ranged attempt, but a deflection made the shot a comfortable save for Dearnley.
The Silkmen wrapped up the tie in the 79th minute as Lewis Fensome slotted the ball into the bottom corner to make it 6-3.
The hosts saw out the rest of the match to bring an entertaining game to a close, with The Stags leaving everything out on the pitch.
The 198 travelling Totton fans were in fine voice throughout game, rallying behind the team from the first kick to the last.
And the Stags supporters will be in full force at the Snows Stadium on Tuesday evening, as we face Maidenhead United in the league.
AFC Totton XI: 24. Matt Hall, 3. Brandon Haunstrup (Christos Batzelis 46’), 5. Luke Hallett, 8. Lee Hodson (Ralph Vigrass 32’), 9. Scott Rendell ©, 10. Tony Lee (Jay Emmanuel-Thomas 80’), 11. Malachi Linton (Ash Clarke 45’), 17. Dec Rose (Ryan Jackson 73’), 19. Christie Ward, 26. Tyler Cordner & 27. Craig Tanner.
Unused subs: 1. Max Evans, 2 Joe Oastler, 16. Josh Dolling & 22. Luke Bennett.
Attendance: 2,197
GO STAGS
