JACK Masterton’s sweet strike proved well worth the wait for AFC Totton’s biggest gate of the season yesterday.

A crowd of 315 converged on the Total Brading Community Stadium, but kick-off was delayed by an hour because Evesham United’s coach broke down en route to Hampshire.

The late arriving visitors made light of their arduous journey, taking an 11th-minute lead through Ashley Williams.

But Williams, who had additionally hiked to Evesham from his home in Wales, had his afternoon curtailed after just 27 minutes when, for the second time, he was booked for taking down Totton forward Tony Lee and subsequently sent off.

The Stags summoned up an equaliser just before half-time when ex-Eastleigh youngster Masterton unleashed a glorious 30-yard free-kick.

Totton should have wrapped things up in the second half but Evesham’s former Salisbury City goalkeeper Kevin Sawyer frustrated Craig Feeney and Lee, Alfy Whittingham went close with a header and Toby Adekunle missed the target.

“Second half we had four chances to their zero and we really should have scored,” said Totton boss Louis Langdown, reflecting on the 1-1 draw.

“But Sawyer has made two good saves and that’s what he does. He’s a big presence for them and he’s got them the point.

“You could see at the end how happy Evesham were and that’s a compliment to us.

“Are we disappointed? No. They’re above us in the league and we’ve got a point at home and we move forward.”

Complimenting Masterton on his magnificent free-kick, Langdown said: “It was an excellent strike. Jack’s put it in an area where no ’keeper is going to be able to make the save.

“Jack has come on in leaps and bounds for us and the goal is reward for his performances of late.

“He’s a likeable character who loves his football and I think he’s got every opportunity to kick on.”

Totton, seventh, have no midweek match and return to Evo-Stik South West action at home to Cirencester Town on Saturday.