Report: AFC Totton 0-1 Stones

This was an enjoyable game, with plenty of action. And just two minutes had gone when Jephte Tanga was fouled and John Gilbert’s free-kick was pushed behind by Gosney.

In the first half, Totton got into space regularly down their right-hand side. There was an early warning of this when Malachi Linton slipped in Ryan Jackson and his effort was beaten away by
Nathan Harness.

With just eleven minutes played, the Stones scored what turned out to be the winner. Gilbert did well to keep the ball in down the left and he found Tanga whose inviting cross was headed into the net by Moore, for his second goal in as many games.

Shortly after this, Maidstone played the ball out from the back and it came to TJ Bramble in midfield. Bramble passed to Gilbert who found Moore and his blasted effort was well saved by Gosney.

The Stones then had a great chance to double their lead. Bramble’s shot was blocked by a hand in the box and Maidstone were awarded a penalty. Sam Corne tried to place his effort to Gosney’s left only for the Totton keeper to make a fine save.

Maidstone kept on pushing and Bramble and Tanga were involved again as this time the ball came to Dajon Golding who was in a good position. However, Golding fired inches wide of the right post.

As the half wore on, Totton began to up the pressure on the Maidstone defence. Leo Hamblin couldn’t win the ball in midfield and it was quickly worked forward to Linton. Harness did well to save from Linton and the ball fell to Tony Lee who blazed over from close range.

On 36 minutes, Jackson crossed for Lee whose header didn’t miss by much. And Jackson was involved again when this time he turned provider for Linton whose shot was blocked by a combination of Maidstone defenders.

George Elokobi elected to make a double substitution at the break, bringing off Hamblin and Golding and replacing them with David Agbontohoma and Patrick Casey. Casey was making his debut after signing on loan from Charlton Athletic but he only lasted 37 minutes before being replaced by Jessie Nwabueze.

Within three minutes of the restart, Totton went close. Craig Tanner’s corner was met by Lee and his header was cleared off the line by David Sesay.

Both defences were living dangerously at times and on 53 minutes, Maidstone got in. Tanga lifted a lovely ball into Moore who was one on one with Gosling. Gosling made a block and Joe Oastler threw himself to deny Casey from the rebound.

Gilbert then beat the offside trap and tried to find Casey. Casey went to ground in the box and the Stones were awarded a second penalty. This time Moore stepped up to take the spot kick and he went to Gosling’s right but yet again, the Totton keeper made a superb save.
It was then Harness’ turn to shine. Brandon Haunstrup shot from distance and it looked like the ball was going in until Harness expertly dived to his left and concede a corner.

On 71 minutes, Lee went down in the box but no penalty was forthcoming and moments later, Totton were reduced to ten men. Jackson brought down Gilbert and as this was his second yellow card offence, he was sent off.

Maidstone largely looked more comfortable after this although the Stags came so close to a late equaliser. Substitute Ashley Clarke passed to substitute Declan Rose whose cross came to Scott Rendell and from inside the six yard box, the striker saw his header cannon off the bar.

The last notable opportunity of the game fell to the Stones. A corner from substitute Riley Court was knocked down by Lexus Beeden and George Fowler hooked the ball over the bar.

AFC Totton: –

Maidstone United: Deon Moore 11

AFC Totton: 13. Ryan Gosney, 2. Joe Oastler, 3. Brandon Haunstrup, 5. Luke Hallett (7. Ashley Clarke 64), 9. Scott Rendell, 10. Tony Lee, 11. Malachi Linton (17. Declan Rose 76), 19. Christie Ward, 20. Ryan Jackson, 26. Tyler Cordner, 27. Craig Tanner. Subs not used: 16. Josh Dolling, 21. Christos Batzelis, 23. Ralphe Vigrass, 29. Hisham Kasimu.

Maidstone United: 1. Nathan Harness, 2. David Sesay, 5. George Fowler, 4. Lexus Beeden, 3. Leo Hamblin (15. David Agbontohoma 45), 6. TJ Bramble, 8. Sam Corne, 10. John Gilbert (17. Riley Court 84), 7. Jephte Tanga, 9. Deon Moore (14. Josh Redfearn 78), 12. Dajon Golding (20. Patrick Casey 45 (16. Jesse Nwabueze 82). Sub not used: 13. Lenny Holden, 18. Sam Oguntayo.

Attendance: 1,226

This Saturday in Enterprise National League South

AFC Totton 0-1 Maidstone United
Bath City 2-0 Eastbourne Borough
Chelmsford City 2-1 Chippenham Town
Dover Athletic 2-0 Salisbury
Hampton & Richmond 2-1 Dagenham & Redbridge
Hemel Hempstead 2-0 Dorking Wanderers
Hornchurch 3-1 Farnborough
Horsham 2-1 Torquay United
Slough Town 2-0 Ebbsfleet United
Tonbridge Angels 0-0 Chesham United
Weston-super-Mare 1-0 Maidenhead United
Worthing 0-0 Enfield Town