Match report: AFC Totton beat Lewes 2-0 in the FA Trophy second round

AFC Totton cruised past Lewes in the FA Trophy second round at The Dripping Pan in East Sussex on Saturday.

Former Premier League ace Charlie Austin rifled home the opener in the 53rd minute before Tony Lee put the game to bed in the last moments.

AFC Totton manager Jimmy Ball spoke after the game: “It was really professional how we went about the job. They’re an expansive side who want to play all the time. We allowed them to play in certain areas while waiting for our chance to jump on them and pinch it, and I think some of our counter-attacks were fantastic. On another day, Tony Lee would’ve had a hat-trick.

“I’m really pleased. The lads did their jobs to the letter and got what they deserved. I don’t remember our keeper [Max Evans] making a save.

“I think Tony [Lee] was a bit angry with himself after missing the earlier chances, so there was a bit of anger on that shot – if the keeper had managed to get something on it, I think he would have ended up in the net with it!”

AFC Totton showed their class in a game that was poised to be exciting. All over the park, they didn’t let Lewes have time on the ball.

Despite all their pressure, the tension began to mount after the first half ended goallessly.

With anger from not taking their chances in the first half, within six minutes of the restart, former Premier League striker, best known locally for a spell at Southampton FC, Austin thundered a volley from the edge of the penalty area into the bottom corner.

Lewes tried to rally deep into the second half, but the game was coming to a lull until the 89th minute when Lee, who could’ve had a hat-trick, finally got his name on the scoresheet, driving all the way into the box with an impressive solo run and firing a shot in at the near post.

The victory confirms AFC Totton’s place in the draw for round three of the Isuzu FA Trophy.

The Stags play again on Saturday when they face Merthyr Town away from home at 3pm.

AFC Totton: M. Evans, J. Oastler, C. Kennedy, A. Tomasso, E. Taylor, C. Austin, L. Hallett, R. McIntyre, R. Collins, T. Lee, T. Blair. Subs: M. Carter, S. Rendell, L. Bennett, O. Pelham, T. Agberhiere.