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AFC Totton: WWLWWW
Mangotsfield United: WLWWDW
Totton went into this game on the back of a 3-0 win away at playoff hopefuls North Leigh. Sherborne, Whisken and Gosney with the goals. Mangotsfield won their last game 3-1 away at Gosport Borough with goals from O'Sullivan, Groves and Hendy.
The early exchanges here were end to end. Ashley Kington went close for Mangotsfield when his shot from the edge of the box flew past the post. Moments later Nathaniel Sherborne shot wide at the other end. In 60 mad seconds on the half hour mark, Mangotsfield scored twice to stun the Stags. A free kick into the box was headed away as far as Kington who took a touch before rifling in a shot from 25 yards that found the bottom corner of the net. Straight from the kick off Totton passed the ball about for a bit before the ball was played back to Grant Porter. The keeper took a touch but was closed down too quickly by Mitchell Page who charged down Porter's attempted clearance (possibly with his arm) and the ball fell kindly for him to roll the simplest of finishes into an empty net.
Totton set about looking for a way back into the match after that sucker punch. Some good work in the box by Sherborne and Stefan Brown ended with the latter laying the ball off to Mike Gosney who sent a shot sailing over the bar. The onslaught continued as Totton tried to get a foothold in the match once more. Michael Green's cross from the left was headed over by Jonathan Davies, and then Brown got himself into the box before his shot across goal went agonisingly wide of the far post.
Half time: AFC Totton 0-2 Mangotsfield United.
The second half began as the first had ended, with Totton well on top as they tried to halve the deficit. Sherborne got a shot away from the edge of the box that went high and wide of the goal. Eventually the Stags got themselves right back in the match just after the hour mark as Davies collected the ball on the edge of the box and tried to lob it over Danny Greaves in the Mangos goal. The keeper just got fingertips to it but could not prevent the ball from bouncing over the line and into the net.
From then on it was all Totton as they drove forward at every opportunity but found Greaves in inspired form between the sticks. Wave after wave of Totton attack was mopped up by Greaves and his defence, preventing goals from efforts by Sherborne, Brown, Pettefer, Gosney and Campbell, and even the crossbar pledged it's allegiance to the Mangotsfield cause as it denied Gosney an equaliser. In the dying seconds Totton again found Greaves an impenetrable barrier in goal as they threw the proverbial kitchen sink at the stubborn Mangos defence.
Full time: AFC Totton 1-2 Mangotsfield United.
This result, coupled with Sholing's come-from-behind win against Clevedon Town meant the gap at the top closed to just 2 points with one game to go and denied Totton the chance to win the league in front of the home faithful in their final game of the season at the Testwood Stadium. Instead, Totton must travel to Gosport Borough needing at least a point, while Sholing are at Wimborne Town on the final day of the season on Monday 26th April.
AFC Totton: Porter, Lewis, Campbell, Whisken, Green, Jonathan Davies, Scott, Pettefer (C), Gosney, Brown, Sherborne. Subs: Osman, Richardson, Charles, Price, Callum Davies.
Mangotsfield United: Greaves, Purnell, Arndale (C), Kington, Colborne, Moore, Groves, Bater, Page, O'Sullivan, O'Connor. Subs: Felix, Tooze, Wilson.
Goals: J Davies (62); Kington (29), Page (30).
Referee: Mr C Wade.
Assistants: Mr P Byfield & Mr J Rake.
Attendance: 717.
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Sunday, 17 April 2011
North Leigh 0-3 AFC Totton 16/04/2011 3:00pm
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North Leigh: WWDWDW
AFC Totton: WWWLWW
North Leigh's fourth game in eight days saw the visit of table topping Totton to Eynsham Park. The home side went into the game on the back of a 6-2 victory over Bishops Cleeve on thursday evening that lifted them into the playoff places. Totton also scored plenty in their previous game, the 7-0 win over Hungerford. But as quickly as North Leigh climbed into the playoffs, they were soon back out of them again after Totton eased to victory here and now need just one point from their two remaining games to win the league.
The game was end to end for the first 20 minutes. But the ball spent more time in the air than it did on the turf as both teams hoofed the ball from one end of the field to the other. A couple of headers over the bar from crosses was the best Totton could muster. The one time Totton did what they do best, get the ball down and pass it around, they created the first meaningful effort on goal in the 12th minute. Nathaniel Sherborne passed the ball across the box to Stefan Brown who turned the ball wide with a side-footed effort on goal.
Totton finally made the breakthrough after 23 minutes when Sherborne collected the ball in midfield and charged towards goal, bursting through the North Leigh defence and hitting a slightly scuffed shot from the edge of the box that bounced over the outstretched arm of North Leigh keeper John Beames and into the bottom corner of the net. Beames had a lot to deal with after that goal with Totton spurred on by it. A cross from Aidan Lewis resulted in some pinball in the box before Brown forced the keeper into turning his close range effort round the post. From the resulting Michael Gosney corner, centre back Jamie Whisken towered over everyone as he jumped to send a header over the head of the defender on the line and into the top corner. Before half time Whisken could have got himself a second goal as he ran from outside the box to get his head on the end of Gosney's free kick from wide on the left but couldn't direct it on target as the ball flew across the face of goal and out for a goal kick.
Half time: North Leigh 0-2 AFC Totton
Totton spent much of the second half applying constant pressure on the North Leigh goal without reward. Substitute Mark Osman did well down the right before sending over an inviting cross that Brown was millimetres away from getting his head to and the ball sailed across the box for the defender to clear, and although there was a suspicion of a push on Brown as he stretched for the ball, the referee stuck to his game plan of giving Totton absolutely nothing.
North Leigh substitute Alfie Saunders had the best chance for his side in the second half. His free kick from 25 yards was the first time Grant Porter had been tested in the Totton goal all game and he got down to the low effort to palm it away and the follow up was smashed into the side netting by a North Leigh attacker. In the final minute of the game Totton scored a third goal when substitute Michael Charles set up Gosney to sweep the ball past the keeper.
Full time: North Leigh 0-3 AFC Totton
Totton now need just a point from their remaining two games to clinch the title, with playoff contenders Mangotsfield Town visiting the Testwood Stadium next saturday afternoon. However, the title could be all wrapped up before then as, ironically, North Leigh could in fact do Totton a massive favour if Sholing fail to win at Eynsham Park on tuesday in the Boatmen's game in hand on The Stags.
AFC Totton North Leigh
Grant Porter Beames
Aidan Lewis Hole
Jamie Whisken Hopkins
Nathan Campbell Clark (Off)
Michael Green Huxley
Jonathan Davies (Off) Franklin
Carl Pettefer (C) Thorne (Off)
Ryan Scott Bowles (Off)
Michael Gosney Caton
Nathaniel Sherborne (Off) Sanders
Stefan Brown Dutton-Black
Subs Subs
Ian Richardson McCabe (On)
Callum Davies Reardon (On)
Mark Osman (On) Saunders (On)
Michael Charles (On) Lonsdale
Goals: Sherborne (23), Whisken (36), Gosney (90).
Officials
Referee: Mr A Shilston.
Assistants: Mr M Payne & Mr S Glyde.
Attendance: 153.
North Leigh: WWDWDW
AFC Totton: WWWLWW
North Leigh's fourth game in eight days saw the visit of table topping Totton to Eynsham Park. The home side went into the game on the back of a 6-2 victory over Bishops Cleeve on thursday evening that lifted them into the playoff places. Totton also scored plenty in their previous game, the 7-0 win over Hungerford. But as quickly as North Leigh climbed into the playoffs, they were soon back out of them again after Totton eased to victory here and now need just one point from their two remaining games to win the league.
The game was end to end for the first 20 minutes. But the ball spent more time in the air than it did on the turf as both teams hoofed the ball from one end of the field to the other. A couple of headers over the bar from crosses was the best Totton could muster. The one time Totton did what they do best, get the ball down and pass it around, they created the first meaningful effort on goal in the 12th minute. Nathaniel Sherborne passed the ball across the box to Stefan Brown who turned the ball wide with a side-footed effort on goal.
Totton finally made the breakthrough after 23 minutes when Sherborne collected the ball in midfield and charged towards goal, bursting through the North Leigh defence and hitting a slightly scuffed shot from the edge of the box that bounced over the outstretched arm of North Leigh keeper John Beames and into the bottom corner of the net. Beames had a lot to deal with after that goal with Totton spurred on by it. A cross from Aidan Lewis resulted in some pinball in the box before Brown forced the keeper into turning his close range effort round the post. From the resulting Michael Gosney corner, centre back Jamie Whisken towered over everyone as he jumped to send a header over the head of the defender on the line and into the top corner. Before half time Whisken could have got himself a second goal as he ran from outside the box to get his head on the end of Gosney's free kick from wide on the left but couldn't direct it on target as the ball flew across the face of goal and out for a goal kick.
Half time: North Leigh 0-2 AFC Totton
Totton spent much of the second half applying constant pressure on the North Leigh goal without reward. Substitute Mark Osman did well down the right before sending over an inviting cross that Brown was millimetres away from getting his head to and the ball sailed across the box for the defender to clear, and although there was a suspicion of a push on Brown as he stretched for the ball, the referee stuck to his game plan of giving Totton absolutely nothing.
North Leigh substitute Alfie Saunders had the best chance for his side in the second half. His free kick from 25 yards was the first time Grant Porter had been tested in the Totton goal all game and he got down to the low effort to palm it away and the follow up was smashed into the side netting by a North Leigh attacker. In the final minute of the game Totton scored a third goal when substitute Michael Charles set up Gosney to sweep the ball past the keeper.
Full time: North Leigh 0-3 AFC Totton
Totton now need just a point from their remaining two games to clinch the title, with playoff contenders Mangotsfield Town visiting the Testwood Stadium next saturday afternoon. However, the title could be all wrapped up before then as, ironically, North Leigh could in fact do Totton a massive favour if Sholing fail to win at Eynsham Park on tuesday in the Boatmen's game in hand on The Stags.
AFC Totton North Leigh
Grant Porter Beames
Aidan Lewis Hole
Jamie Whisken Hopkins
Nathan Campbell Clark (Off)
Michael Green Huxley
Jonathan Davies (Off) Franklin
Carl Pettefer (C) Thorne (Off)
Ryan Scott Bowles (Off)
Michael Gosney Caton
Nathaniel Sherborne (Off) Sanders
Stefan Brown Dutton-Black
Subs Subs
Ian Richardson McCabe (On)
Callum Davies Reardon (On)
Mark Osman (On) Saunders (On)
Michael Charles (On) Lonsdale
Goals: Sherborne (23), Whisken (36), Gosney (90).
Officials
Referee: Mr A Shilston.
Assistants: Mr M Payne & Mr S Glyde.
Attendance: 153.
Friday, 15 April 2011
Change of Plan
Aye up! Just a quick notice to say I AM going to the North Leigh game tomorrow after all, so there will be a match report from the game on this blog by monday.
See you monday! Until then...
Come on you Stags!
See you monday! Until then...
Come on you Stags!
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
The title run-in explained
The season is nearly at an end and only one of two teams can win the title now. In the driving seat are our very own AFC Totton. The Stags are 8 points clear of second-placed Sholing, who are the only team who could catch Totton and steal the title from them. So here is how the title race could pan out.
Totton sit proudly atop the league table on 91 points. Sholing are 8 points behind on 83. Totton have 3 games remaining, whilst Sholing have 4 to go. If Totton win all 3 they will finish the season as league champions with 100 points, the same total they achieved last season but agonisingly missed out on the title to Windsor & Eton by 1 point. Totton only need 4 points from their final 3 games to win the title. Anything less and they will be relying on Sholing dropping points as well. The following scenarios this weekend will/should result in a Totton title victory:
Totton - North Leigh (A) - Win
Sholing - Yate Town (A) - Lose/Draw
If Sholing lose it will leave them 11 points adrift. If Yate hold them to a draw, they will be 10 points behind. With The Boatmen having only 3 games remaining and a maximum of 9 points available, a gap of 10 or 11 points will make Totton's lead unassailable as They could lose their last 2 games and Sholing could win their last 3 games and not be able to catch them.
Totton - North Leigh (A) - Draw
Sholing - Yate Town (A) - Lose
In this case Totton would be 9 points clear of Sholing. This would mean the best Sholing could do is finish the season level on points with Totton, but The Stags have a vastly superior goal difference. Sholing would therefore have to win all their remaining 3 games by an aggregate of something like 30-0 whilst also needing Totton to lose their last 2 games to take top spot on goal difference.
After this weekend, if the gap is 8 points or less, chances are the title race will go right down to the final day of the season. Anyway, hopefully for the Stags that won't be the case. 4 points is all that's required from their final 3 games to win the league and, based on their outstanding form in 2011 that has seen them fail to win just twice in their last 20 games, you'd put your house on them achieving it.
But anyway, what do I know? Let's just let them get there themselves.
Totton sit proudly atop the league table on 91 points. Sholing are 8 points behind on 83. Totton have 3 games remaining, whilst Sholing have 4 to go. If Totton win all 3 they will finish the season as league champions with 100 points, the same total they achieved last season but agonisingly missed out on the title to Windsor & Eton by 1 point. Totton only need 4 points from their final 3 games to win the title. Anything less and they will be relying on Sholing dropping points as well. The following scenarios this weekend will/should result in a Totton title victory:
Totton - North Leigh (A) - Win
Sholing - Yate Town (A) - Lose/Draw
If Sholing lose it will leave them 11 points adrift. If Yate hold them to a draw, they will be 10 points behind. With The Boatmen having only 3 games remaining and a maximum of 9 points available, a gap of 10 or 11 points will make Totton's lead unassailable as They could lose their last 2 games and Sholing could win their last 3 games and not be able to catch them.
Totton - North Leigh (A) - Draw
Sholing - Yate Town (A) - Lose
In this case Totton would be 9 points clear of Sholing. This would mean the best Sholing could do is finish the season level on points with Totton, but The Stags have a vastly superior goal difference. Sholing would therefore have to win all their remaining 3 games by an aggregate of something like 30-0 whilst also needing Totton to lose their last 2 games to take top spot on goal difference.
After this weekend, if the gap is 8 points or less, chances are the title race will go right down to the final day of the season. Anyway, hopefully for the Stags that won't be the case. 4 points is all that's required from their final 3 games to win the league and, based on their outstanding form in 2011 that has seen them fail to win just twice in their last 20 games, you'd put your house on them achieving it.
But anyway, what do I know? Let's just let them get there themselves.
No report this weekend
Just a quick notice that I won't be able to make it to the away game at North Leigh this weekend so will not be writing a report on the match. I'll be back for the final home game of the season next Saturday against Mangotsfield and the final game of the season away at Gosport Borough. Plus I will be at the Hampshire Senior Cup final at St Mary's Stadium on May 25th against Sholing so will be writing a report on that as well.
Anyway, sorry about that. See y'all next week! Arrivederci!
Anyway, sorry about that. See y'all next week! Arrivederci!
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Almonds To Fold
Sad news in the league this week as Almondsbury Town announce that they will fold in the summer. The club's lease on their current Oaklands Park home comes to an end at the end of the season and they have been unsuccessful in negotiations with Clevedon Town and been refused permission to share facilities with Western League Premier side Hallen FC.
Initial talks with Clevedon were positive, however, following a meeting at the parish council it became clear that many were against the club using the facilities at Clevedon and the board at Almondsbury have taken the difficult decision to disband the first team at the end of the season. Whether or not the reserve side continue to play depends on whether a new ground can be found to allow them to play on next season in the Premier Division One of the Bristol Suburban League. If this is also not possible then it is likely the club will cease to exist altogether.
Almondsbury are one of very few clubs who are folding for a reason other than lack of funds, with the wrangle over facilities being the only factor in this difficult decision. For a club with over 100 years of history it is a great shame and they will be missed in the league after such a successful season in their first ever Southern League campaign, with the club vying for a place in the play-offs.
In their league meetings this season Almondsbury and Totton each won on their own turf; a 1-0 victory for Almondsbury at Oaklands Park back in August, and a 3-0 Totton triumph at the old Testwood Park in December. Almondsbury currently occupy the final play-off place in the Zamaretto League Division One South & West, although it is unlikely they will be able to contest the play-offs should they finish the season in a play-off position.
Condolences to Almondsbury Town and everyone connected to the club from everyone at AFC Totton.
Initial talks with Clevedon were positive, however, following a meeting at the parish council it became clear that many were against the club using the facilities at Clevedon and the board at Almondsbury have taken the difficult decision to disband the first team at the end of the season. Whether or not the reserve side continue to play depends on whether a new ground can be found to allow them to play on next season in the Premier Division One of the Bristol Suburban League. If this is also not possible then it is likely the club will cease to exist altogether.
Almondsbury are one of very few clubs who are folding for a reason other than lack of funds, with the wrangle over facilities being the only factor in this difficult decision. For a club with over 100 years of history it is a great shame and they will be missed in the league after such a successful season in their first ever Southern League campaign, with the club vying for a place in the play-offs.
In their league meetings this season Almondsbury and Totton each won on their own turf; a 1-0 victory for Almondsbury at Oaklands Park back in August, and a 3-0 Totton triumph at the old Testwood Park in December. Almondsbury currently occupy the final play-off place in the Zamaretto League Division One South & West, although it is unlikely they will be able to contest the play-offs should they finish the season in a play-off position.
Condolences to Almondsbury Town and everyone connected to the club from everyone at AFC Totton.
Saturday, 9 April 2011
AFC Totton 7-0 Hungerford Town 09/04/2011 3:00pm
Recent form
AFC Totton: WWWWLW
Hungerford: LDDLLL
On a bright, sunny, warm saturday afternoon, Totton welcomed playoff hopefuls Hungerford Town to the Testwood Stadium. The Stags went into the game on the back of their biggest win of the season, a 9-0 thrashing of relegated Andover. Hungerford suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Totton's title rivals Sholing.
Totton took just 5 minutes to take the lead in this one. Jonathan Davies split the defence with a through ball for Nathaniel Sherborne to slot the ball past the on-rushing Kieron Drake for his 100th goal for AFC Totton. Ten minutes later a free kick was given to Totton 25 yards out on the right which Gosney swung into the box; the ball just eluding the outstretched legs of both Stefan Brown and Jamie Whisken and running through for the keeper to gather.
On 16 minutes Hungerford's Richard Bland was booked for a foul on Ryan Scott. In the 23rd minute Gosney sped away down the left and played a low ball into Sherborne, who shaped to shoot several times under pressure from the defence before finally swinging his foot and missing the ball completely, allowing the defender to boot it to safety. A minute later and Hungerford picked up another booking. Jamie Gosling was the recipient after a foul on Carl Pettefer. The free kick from Gosney was fired into the wall and cleared. Jonathan Davies was then sent through on goal but was crowded out by 2 defenders and the keeper easily gathered the ball.
10 minutes later and Totton doubled the advantage. A shot from the edge of the box from Sherborne was blocked by a defender and the ball fell kindly for Gosney who hit his shot into the ground and the ball bounced up and over Drake and into the net. Totton almost scored a route one goal when a goal kick from Grant Porter went all the way through, but Michael Green couldn't reach the ball before the keeper. Moments later the scoreline was 3-0. Good work down the right by Jonathan Davies and Stefan Brown resulted in the latter sending Sherborne through on goal to finish well with his second of the game. A minute before half time, and Hungerford handed the game to Totton on a plate after a foul in the box on Ryan Scott gave Gosney the chance to score his second of the afternoon from the penalty spot. In added time at the end of the first half Hungerford almost got themselves a goal but were denied by some brilliant defending from makeshift centre back Nathan Campbell.
Half time: AFC Totton 4-0 Hungerford Town.
The second half started with some end-to-end play from both teams. Aidan Lewis did well down the right for Totton and his cross was headed wide by Gosney. Five minutes past the hour mark Totton put the result beyond doubt. Pettefer played the ball out to Gosney on the left of the box and his inch perfect cross was met by the head of Brown 5 yards out. Just seconds later Pettefer was involved again, as his pass down the wing found Davies, who crossed from the right to find Gosney whose header across goal left the keeper flapping and the ball settled in the corner of the net. 6-0, and another hattrick for Gosney to add to his collection.
Sherborne was replaced by Michael Charles on 68 minutes and left the field to a well deserved ovation from the crowd for his 2-goal contribution. And Charles was right in the thick of it from the moment he came on. Davies cut in-field from the right and gave the ball to Brown, who set up Charles on the edge of the box but his powerful driven shot grazed the top of the crossbar. With ten minutes to go Totton won a corner. Gosney delivered, and Brown headed against the bar from about 2 yards out. It's still shaking now. This was Brown's last action as he was replaced by Mark Osman seconds later. Two or three half chances fell Totton's way, with Hungerford making the occasional burst forward on the break but found Nathan Campbell and Jamie Whisken in the mood for a clean sheet and they mopped up every Hungerford attack. Jonathan Davies was replaced by youngster Callum Davies (no relation) on 83 minutes and his replacement namesake linked up well down the right with Aidan Lewis to create chances for Charles and Gosney.
And with five minutes to go, number seven arrived. Gosney received the ball out on the left, cut inside and played a neat one-two with Charles who drilled the ball across the face of goal and, for the second time in 2 games, Gosney bagged a quadruple with a simple tap in from 3 yards. There was time at the death for a chance to add a bit more gloss to the scoreline when a foul on Charles gave Totton a free kick 25 yards from goal, which Gosney preceded to smash into the wall with virtually the last kick of the game.
Full time: AFC Totton 7-0 Hungerford Town.
Totton remain 8 points clear of Sholing, who have a game in hand. 5 points from the final 3 games will ensure Totton go up as division champions, while 4 points would be enough because of The Stags' vastly superior goal difference. Hungerford stay in 6th place on 69 points, just one place and one point away from the playoffs with a game in hand on 5th placed Almondsbury Town.
AFC Totton Hungerford Town
Grant Porter Kieron Drake
Aidan Lewis Jamie Leacock
Michael Green Jon Boardman
Nathan Campbell Mattie Day
Jamie Whisken Richard Bland
Ryan Scott David Asker
Carl Pettefer (C) Tom Browne
Jonathan Davies (Off 83) Jamie Gosling
Stefan Brown (Off 80) Adam Wallace
Nathaniel Sherborne (Off 68) Jemel Johnson
Michael Gosney Ryan Crockford
Subs Subs
Mark Osman (On 80) Simon Herbert
Michael Charles (On 68) Scott Davis
Sean Hankin Chris Collin
Callum Oliver Adam Cashin-Murray
Callum Davies (On 83) Richard Guy
Goals: Sherborne (5, 41), Gosney (36, 44 pen, 65, 85), Brown (64).
Officials
Referee: Mr N Lugg.
Assistants: Mr G Mays & Mr N Norris.
Attendance: 383.
AFC Totton: WWWWLW
Hungerford: LDDLLL
On a bright, sunny, warm saturday afternoon, Totton welcomed playoff hopefuls Hungerford Town to the Testwood Stadium. The Stags went into the game on the back of their biggest win of the season, a 9-0 thrashing of relegated Andover. Hungerford suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Totton's title rivals Sholing.
Totton took just 5 minutes to take the lead in this one. Jonathan Davies split the defence with a through ball for Nathaniel Sherborne to slot the ball past the on-rushing Kieron Drake for his 100th goal for AFC Totton. Ten minutes later a free kick was given to Totton 25 yards out on the right which Gosney swung into the box; the ball just eluding the outstretched legs of both Stefan Brown and Jamie Whisken and running through for the keeper to gather.
On 16 minutes Hungerford's Richard Bland was booked for a foul on Ryan Scott. In the 23rd minute Gosney sped away down the left and played a low ball into Sherborne, who shaped to shoot several times under pressure from the defence before finally swinging his foot and missing the ball completely, allowing the defender to boot it to safety. A minute later and Hungerford picked up another booking. Jamie Gosling was the recipient after a foul on Carl Pettefer. The free kick from Gosney was fired into the wall and cleared. Jonathan Davies was then sent through on goal but was crowded out by 2 defenders and the keeper easily gathered the ball.
10 minutes later and Totton doubled the advantage. A shot from the edge of the box from Sherborne was blocked by a defender and the ball fell kindly for Gosney who hit his shot into the ground and the ball bounced up and over Drake and into the net. Totton almost scored a route one goal when a goal kick from Grant Porter went all the way through, but Michael Green couldn't reach the ball before the keeper. Moments later the scoreline was 3-0. Good work down the right by Jonathan Davies and Stefan Brown resulted in the latter sending Sherborne through on goal to finish well with his second of the game. A minute before half time, and Hungerford handed the game to Totton on a plate after a foul in the box on Ryan Scott gave Gosney the chance to score his second of the afternoon from the penalty spot. In added time at the end of the first half Hungerford almost got themselves a goal but were denied by some brilliant defending from makeshift centre back Nathan Campbell.
Half time: AFC Totton 4-0 Hungerford Town.
The second half started with some end-to-end play from both teams. Aidan Lewis did well down the right for Totton and his cross was headed wide by Gosney. Five minutes past the hour mark Totton put the result beyond doubt. Pettefer played the ball out to Gosney on the left of the box and his inch perfect cross was met by the head of Brown 5 yards out. Just seconds later Pettefer was involved again, as his pass down the wing found Davies, who crossed from the right to find Gosney whose header across goal left the keeper flapping and the ball settled in the corner of the net. 6-0, and another hattrick for Gosney to add to his collection.
Sherborne was replaced by Michael Charles on 68 minutes and left the field to a well deserved ovation from the crowd for his 2-goal contribution. And Charles was right in the thick of it from the moment he came on. Davies cut in-field from the right and gave the ball to Brown, who set up Charles on the edge of the box but his powerful driven shot grazed the top of the crossbar. With ten minutes to go Totton won a corner. Gosney delivered, and Brown headed against the bar from about 2 yards out. It's still shaking now. This was Brown's last action as he was replaced by Mark Osman seconds later. Two or three half chances fell Totton's way, with Hungerford making the occasional burst forward on the break but found Nathan Campbell and Jamie Whisken in the mood for a clean sheet and they mopped up every Hungerford attack. Jonathan Davies was replaced by youngster Callum Davies (no relation) on 83 minutes and his replacement namesake linked up well down the right with Aidan Lewis to create chances for Charles and Gosney.
And with five minutes to go, number seven arrived. Gosney received the ball out on the left, cut inside and played a neat one-two with Charles who drilled the ball across the face of goal and, for the second time in 2 games, Gosney bagged a quadruple with a simple tap in from 3 yards. There was time at the death for a chance to add a bit more gloss to the scoreline when a foul on Charles gave Totton a free kick 25 yards from goal, which Gosney preceded to smash into the wall with virtually the last kick of the game.
Full time: AFC Totton 7-0 Hungerford Town.
Totton remain 8 points clear of Sholing, who have a game in hand. 5 points from the final 3 games will ensure Totton go up as division champions, while 4 points would be enough because of The Stags' vastly superior goal difference. Hungerford stay in 6th place on 69 points, just one place and one point away from the playoffs with a game in hand on 5th placed Almondsbury Town.
AFC Totton Hungerford Town
Grant Porter Kieron Drake
Aidan Lewis Jamie Leacock
Michael Green Jon Boardman
Nathan Campbell Mattie Day
Jamie Whisken Richard Bland
Ryan Scott David Asker
Carl Pettefer (C) Tom Browne
Jonathan Davies (Off 83) Jamie Gosling
Stefan Brown (Off 80) Adam Wallace
Nathaniel Sherborne (Off 68) Jemel Johnson
Michael Gosney Ryan Crockford
Subs Subs
Mark Osman (On 80) Simon Herbert
Michael Charles (On 68) Scott Davis
Sean Hankin Chris Collin
Callum Oliver Adam Cashin-Murray
Callum Davies (On 83) Richard Guy
Goals: Sherborne (5, 41), Gosney (36, 44 pen, 65, 85), Brown (64).
Officials
Referee: Mr N Lugg.
Assistants: Mr G Mays & Mr N Norris.
Attendance: 383.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
AFC Totton 9-0 Andover 05/04/2011 7:45pm
Recent form
Totton: WWWWWL
Andover: LLWLLL
Totton welcomed Andover to the Testwood Stadium on tuesday evening for a top vs bottom-of-the-league clash. Both teams went into the game on the back of defeats. Totton suffered a shock 1-0 defeat away at 5th from bottom Abingdon United. A 20th minute winner from Aaron Parfitt was enough as Abingdon then 'parked the bus' for the rest of the game despite constant Totton pressure. Andover spent saturday afternoon losing 4-0 at home to Bridgwater Town. Goals from Lewis Irish, Josh Turner, Graham Mercieca and Matt Townley condemning Andover to their 16th home defeat of the season.
Onto tuesday then, and Totton started on the back foot as Andover had an early, tame effort on goal easily gathered by Grant Porter. The Stags quickly got themselves back in the game and after a few half chances, took the lead on 11 minutes through Stefan Brown. 6 minutes later and Totton had the game won. Nathaniel Sherborne and Mike Gosney scored within a minute of each other to make it 3-0, then Gosney made it 4 from the penalty spot on 20 minutes. Gosney completed his hattrick after 36 minutes, then added a personal fourth, and Totton's sixth, 2 minutes later courtesy of another penalty. Not to be outdone, Stefan Brown scored twice in the last 5 minutes of the first half to complete his own hattrick.
Half time: AFC Totton 8-0 Andover
In the second half, Totton were guilty of spurning several golden opportunities to extend their lead. In the first 20 minutes of the second half the Stags should have been into double figures. Gosney, Sherborne and Brown were all guilty of missing the target when it seemed easier to score. The rest of the second half followed the same pattern. Andover rarely got out of their own half and never looked like scoring, while Totton continued to pepper Josh Barnett's goal without reward. When it seemed as if Totton had used up their entire goal allowance for this game in the first half, substitute Mark Osman slotted home number 9 in the last minute of the game. There was still time for Gosney and Osman to miss chances to give the scoreline an even more impressive look, (if that were possible), before the referee finally put Andover out of their misery.
Full time: AFC Totton 9-0 Andover.
Next up for the Stags, the penultimate home game of the season when Hungerford Town visit the Testwood Stadium on saturday, while Andover travel to playoff contenders Frome Town knowing that anything other than a win will see them relegated.
AFC Totton Andover
Subs Subs
Mark Osman (On) Andrew Darnton
Michael Charles Martin Harris (On)
Sean Hankin Craig Blakeman (On)
Tom Price (On) Luke Soulby (On)
Nathan Campbell
Goals: Brown (11, 41, 44), Sherborne (16), Gosney (17, 20 pen, 36, 38 pen), Osman (90).
Officials:
Referee: Mr J Flynn.
Assistants: Mr R Carlisle & Mr K Barnett.
Totton: WWWWWL
Andover: LLWLLL
Totton welcomed Andover to the Testwood Stadium on tuesday evening for a top vs bottom-of-the-league clash. Both teams went into the game on the back of defeats. Totton suffered a shock 1-0 defeat away at 5th from bottom Abingdon United. A 20th minute winner from Aaron Parfitt was enough as Abingdon then 'parked the bus' for the rest of the game despite constant Totton pressure. Andover spent saturday afternoon losing 4-0 at home to Bridgwater Town. Goals from Lewis Irish, Josh Turner, Graham Mercieca and Matt Townley condemning Andover to their 16th home defeat of the season.
Onto tuesday then, and Totton started on the back foot as Andover had an early, tame effort on goal easily gathered by Grant Porter. The Stags quickly got themselves back in the game and after a few half chances, took the lead on 11 minutes through Stefan Brown. 6 minutes later and Totton had the game won. Nathaniel Sherborne and Mike Gosney scored within a minute of each other to make it 3-0, then Gosney made it 4 from the penalty spot on 20 minutes. Gosney completed his hattrick after 36 minutes, then added a personal fourth, and Totton's sixth, 2 minutes later courtesy of another penalty. Not to be outdone, Stefan Brown scored twice in the last 5 minutes of the first half to complete his own hattrick.
Half time: AFC Totton 8-0 Andover
In the second half, Totton were guilty of spurning several golden opportunities to extend their lead. In the first 20 minutes of the second half the Stags should have been into double figures. Gosney, Sherborne and Brown were all guilty of missing the target when it seemed easier to score. The rest of the second half followed the same pattern. Andover rarely got out of their own half and never looked like scoring, while Totton continued to pepper Josh Barnett's goal without reward. When it seemed as if Totton had used up their entire goal allowance for this game in the first half, substitute Mark Osman slotted home number 9 in the last minute of the game. There was still time for Gosney and Osman to miss chances to give the scoreline an even more impressive look, (if that were possible), before the referee finally put Andover out of their misery.
Full time: AFC Totton 9-0 Andover.
Next up for the Stags, the penultimate home game of the season when Hungerford Town visit the Testwood Stadium on saturday, while Andover travel to playoff contenders Frome Town knowing that anything other than a win will see them relegated.
AFC Totton Andover
Grant Porter Josh Barnett
Aidan Lewis Mark Keogh
Jamie Whisken Curtis Angell
Ian Richardson Lee Burch (Off)
Michael Green Iain Calder
Ryan Scott Craig Davis (C)
Carl Pettefer (C) James Powell
Jonathan Davies (Off) Chris Onoufriou
Mike Gosney Chris Brookman
Nathaniel Sherborne (Off) Lee Bowen (Off)
Stefan Brown Claudio Herbert (Off)
Subs Subs
Mark Osman (On) Andrew Darnton
Michael Charles Martin Harris (On)
Sean Hankin Craig Blakeman (On)
Tom Price (On) Luke Soulby (On)
Nathan Campbell
Goals: Brown (11, 41, 44), Sherborne (16), Gosney (17, 20 pen, 36, 38 pen), Osman (90).
Officials:
Referee: Mr J Flynn.
Assistants: Mr R Carlisle & Mr K Barnett.
Attendance: 252.
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