Wessex League Division One: New Milton FC more than held their own against Totton FC despite one nil defeat

Wessex League Division One

Totton & Eling 1

New Milton Town 0

The Linnets’ hunt for a first win this season goes on, but they should not have to wait long on the strength of this performance.

New Milton are 15 points adrift of safety, and 10 away from second-bottom AFC Aldermaston. It will be a tough ask to climb out of trouble, but performances like the one against eighth-placed Totton & Eling will go some way to addressing the massive points difference.

Although the Millers came away with all three points, New Milton more than held their own, and were the stronger side the vast tracts of the first half.

The lack of shooting boots proved the only obstacle to putting at least a couple past T&E keeper Nico Trosanowski in the first 45, as New Milton found time and space with an excellent passing game.

The second half saw an improved performance from the Millers, whose goal came on 58 minutes. From a free-kick near the goal-line, Harry Yeadon leapt highest inside the crowded box and powered a header beyond Linnets keeper Tyler Robert-Disson.

New Milton’s passing and defence were vastly improved, and their midfield kept Totton & Eling from playing an expansive game.

But while the end result was a familiar one for New Milton, Totton & Eling will have much easier games against higher-placed opposition this season.

On Tuesday evening, Totton & Eling travel to Romsey, while New Milton host Hamworthy Rec. Both kick-offs are 7.45pm. The Linnets travel to Fleetlands on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

Totton & Eling: Trosanowski, Fuller, Golding, Magookin, Hurst, Batley, Yeadon, Pelham, House, Kelly, Mathews, Hennen. Subs: Stanley, Lutumba, Lewis, Lemon.

New Milton: Robert-Disson, Smith, Gentle, Mayo, Lonham, Barber, Morgan, Morris, Stone, Taylor, Francis, Dennis. Subs: Mathews, Trodo, Hutch