Totton's view on the game

in2thevalley Mon Oct 15, 2012 11:50 am

Totton's unbeaten run of 9 games in all competitions comes to an end with defeat in the Midlands.

The Stags went into the game full of confidence and looking to stretch our unbeaten run to double figures.

Redditch hadn't won at home this season but had won their last game 2-1 away at St Neots Town.

Jamie Whisken returned to the Totton defence after being absent through illness last week, with Luke Whitley moving back to left back and Chris Mason dropping to the bench.

Totton started well and had a great chance to take the lead when a corner fell to Jamie Whisken at the back post but his shot was blocked on the line and James Coutts' effort from the rebound was also blocked before Redditch were able to clear the danger.

The home side took the lead 10 minutes before the break when Jack Cresswell was allowed all the time and space in the world to control Stuart Hendrie's cross, have a look up and place his shot into the bottom corner.

Totton were given a boost just before half time when Redditch's Alex Price was sent off for a second booking after a dangerous lunge on Jon Davies.

Half time: Redditch United 1-0 AFC Totton

At half time the heavens opened and the entire second half was played in torrential rain.

This didn't appear to affect the home side and they doubled the lead just shy of the hour mark when Liam McDonald let fly with a speculative shot from 35 yards. Gareth Barfoot could only stand and watch as the ball flew into the top corner.

Luke Whitley was replaced by winger Luke Roberts as The Stags went with a more attacking 2-5-3 formation.

Redditch had the ball in the net a third time when a cross from the right was poked into the bottom corner at the far post, but the sparse home crowd's joy was short-lived as the assistant had his flag raised for offside.

Another substitution saw James Coutts leave the field after running himself into the ground for the Totton cause and on came Chris Mason.

The substitution paid off immediately as Mason fired home from 20 yards in the 89th minute to give The Stags a glimmer of hope.

The referee signalled 5 minutes of added time but the home side held on for their first home win of the season.

Full time: Redditch United 2-1 AFC Totton