Sat 28th Jan. Southern League Division One South. Westbury United 1 AFC Totton 2
TOTTON consolidated their second-place position, however they were made to work all the way by a battling Westbury performance.
The hosts started brightly with Harvey Flippance prominent in attack, where he was fouled on the edge of the box; Ryan Bole’s free kick was blocked and Gary Higdon’s rebound saved by Charles Searle. The visitors then took control of possession and dominated for long periods.
This included Jack Masterton’s free kick which was blocked by the hosts’ defensive wall and when they opened the scoring on 14, Jonny Hill saved Ethan Taylor’s attempt, only for Scott Rendell to pounce on the rebound. United produced a good move which led to Matt Morris shooting from 25 yards, from which Searle showed good hands.
With Westbury’s defence and midfield working very hard to keep The Stags at bay, Hill made a wonderful double save from Masterton’s deflected free kick and Benedict Read’s immediate header. Totton led 0-1 at the break, however they were pinned back by a rapid start to the second half by the home team.
Morris took a great free kick that crashed off the crossbar and bounced on the line before being cleared. Searle then got down low to deny Flippance. Rendell netted his second of the afternoon with a composed penalty on 58, after Adam Tomasso’s run into the box was abruptly ended by Aaron Cockerill. The Stags seemed content to sit on their two-goal lead and this almost proved their downfall in the final 25 minutes.
Morris and Bole went on surging runs down their respective wings, with both being well tackled by the visiting full backs. Then on 75, Ashton Shanley’s set piece led to Dan Price setting up Steve Hulbert, however Searle was equal to his attempt. United made a triple substitution and the fresh legs gave them a boost.
Higdon was fouled inside the penalty area and a spot kick awarded, which Steve Hulbert despatched past Searle. Higdon came within a whisker of an equaliser when his dipping strike landed on the roof of the net! Totton calmed their nerves with another long spell of possession; as they got forward, a foul occurred and Rendell had the chance to score a hattrick with another spot kick, however this time Hill touched the ball onto his left-hand post.
Despite pushing players forward, United were unable to create any more chances.
Star Man: Dan Price .
Team: Jonny Hill, Steve Hulbert, Ryan Bole, Aaron Cockerill, Dan Price, Jake Hutchings, Ashton Shanley, Joe Stradling, Harvey Flippance, Matt Morris, Gary Higdon. Subs: Emmanuel Adepitan, Sam Jordan, Ricky Hulbert (used) Will Thomson, Jack Biddiscombe (unused).
Report by Andy Bown
