AFC TOTTON earned a deserved three points at home to Willand Rovers with a 1-0 victory that could been more comfortable than it proved to be, writes Benjamin Rees.

The game only went ahead following a late pitch inspection and was the only match in the division that avoided a weather-based postponement.

After a cagey start, the hosts began to grow into the game, and were rewarded for their endeavour midway through the first half.

Charlie Kennedy played a one-two with Jordan Ragguette on the left wing before sliding a pass through the visiting defence, where Matty Burrows latched on and coolly slotted beyond George Burton in the away net.

The Stags nearly doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time, but Benny Read’s effort on the rebound was scooped over the bar.

Totton controlled proceedings after the break, hurting Willand with their pace, and Ethan Taylor nearly made it two but dragged his shot wide.

The Stags were unperturbed, however, and continued to pile forward in search of a second goal that their play had probably deserved.

They crafted numerous opportunities on goal but, to the bemusement of their fans, spurned chance after chance, Scott Rendell particularly culpable on a day where he could easily have had a hat-trick.

Joe Adams made his debut as a home substitute and showed flashes of his undoubted talent, but the hosts had to settle for the 1-0 victory and a hard-earned three points.

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