Match report: AFC Totton see off Hemel Hempstead Town FC in 2-1 victory to climb to third in the Enterprise National League South table
AFC Totton edged out fellow promotion hopefuls Hemel Hempstead Town with a hard-fought 2-1 win at the Snows Stadium on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run to seven games.
Tyler Cordner and Ashley Clarke struck in the first half to give the Stags a commanding lead, before Millar Matthews-Lewis pulled one back for the visitors just before the break in a tightly contested affair.
The victory lifted Jimmy Ball’s AFC Totton to third in the National League South table. He said: “We played really well in the first 20 minutes. We were getting a lot of success, and that became all that we wanted to do, but we needed to keep the ball a little better to create better chances.
“After that, we looked a bit off. 10 minutes before half-time, we felt a bit of tiredness in the legs from a busy week, and they picked out an excellent pass for their goal. Then, all of a sudden, you’re in a scrap.
“They’re a very good side, and we had to weather it a little bit, but we had a few really good chances. They put us under some pressure, but I’m incredibly proud of the players – they have spirit, and they have heart!”
The game began in cagey fashion, with both sides struggling to find rhythm in possession – but it was the hosts who settled first.
On 12 minutes, Declan Rose delivered a pinpoint corner into the area, and Cordner rose highest to nod home his second goal in as many games, giving Totton an early advantage.
Luke Bennett nearly doubled the lead shortly after, darting down the right and cutting the ball back for Clarke, whose effort crept just wide of the far post.
But Clarke didn’t miss his next chance. The Bournemouth loanee made it four goals in as many games, gliding into the box and rifling a fierce strike into the roof of the net to make it 2-0 after 33 minutes.
The Tudors responded before the break. Sam Adenola knocked down a deep delivery from Joe Williams, and Matthews-Lewis was on hand to prod home from close range – his sixth goal of the season.
Hemel came out firing in the second half. Straight from kick-off, Matthews-Lewis broke forward and fed George Achuba, but Ryan Gosney well kept out his low strike in the Totton goal.
Despite enjoying more of the ball, Hemel struggled to break down Totton’s well-organised backline. Their best chance came from a fizzing effort by substitute Dawion Dawich, which forced a strong save from Gosney.
AFC Totton had a massive shout for a penalty waved away when Clarke appeared to be bundled over by Kyle O’Connor-Ajayi inside the area, but the referee was unmoved.
There was still time for one last scare in stoppage time as Samuel Adenola teed up substitute Adebola Azeez, who blazed over to the delight of the home supporters.
AFC Totton could have wrapped it up at the death when a clever free-kick routine found Malachi Linton in space, but the striker couldn’t keep his balance and fired over the bar.
Full-time at the Snows Stadium came with a vital three points for Jimmy Ball’s men, who now sit third in the table, with Hemel slipping to sixth.
AFC Totton travel for their next match when they take on Bath City in the Enterprise National League South tomorrow (Tuesday) night.
AFC Totton: R. Gosney, J. Oastler, L. Hallett, A. Clarke, L. Hodson, J. Emmanuel-Thomas, D. Rose, C. Batzelis, L. Bennett, T. Cordner, C. Tanner. Subs: B. Haunstrup, S. Rendell, T. Lee, M. Linton, J. Dolling, C. Ward, R. Vigrass.