Match report: AFC Totton’s Southern League Premier South streak ends with 3-2 defeat at the hands of Walton & Hersham

AFC Totton suffered just their second Southern League Premier South defeat of the season after a late winner from Walton & Hersham sealed a 3-2 victory on Saturday.

Tony Lee gave AFC Totton the lead five minutes into the second half before Scott Rendell thought he had rescued a point in the 90th minute, but a 94th-minute winner left the visitors empty-handed.

It looked as if the Stags would continue their stunning league form that has led the side to second with multiple games in hand, with Ethan Taylor volleying narrowly over the bar after the keeper, Josiah Barker, delivered a poor clearance punch at the Elmb’ ge Xcel Sports Hub.

With just over half an hour played, Walton & Hersham had the momentum, controlling territory and possession, but besides one decent stop, Ryan Gosney did not have much to do.

Five minutes after the restart, Tom Blair found space before delivering an inswinging cross from the left for Lee to make a darting run before nodding home the opening goal.

Lee had another chance moments later, but the hosts hit back after 62 minutes. A cross came in from the left, and winger Ralph Vigrass met it at the back post and made no mistake.

Walton started to push AFC Totton back, and with seven minutes left, they took the lead after a rapid sweeping attack finished by Dawid Rogalski.

Rendell had already entered the fray, and Charlie Austin soon joined him in the desperate late push. The visitors managed to force a scramble in the box. It looked as if former Premier League Auston, who played for Southampton FC, got the vital touch, but the goal was awarded to Rendell.

Any celebrations were cut short by Rogalski, who pinched it at the death, leaving the high-flying Stags empty-handed.

The defeat ends AFC Totton’s unbeaten run that stretches back 12 league games, with their last defeat coming way back in the middle of September. They hope to return to winning ways against Chertsey Town on Saturday at 3pm.

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