FORMER Saints striker Charlie Austin had the final word for AFC Totton in one of the most insane non-league football matches of all time.
The Stags hosted Dorchester Town in the semi-final of the Southern League Premier play-offs and won 4-3, but only after some incredible theatrics.
Jimmy Ball's side trailed 2-0 in added time and were set for elimination, but it was 3-3 by the time the referee's full-time whistle was blown.
Scott Rendell scored from the spot to make it 2-1 in the 90th minute, before Tony Lee hit goals in the seventh and 10th minutes of added time.
Totton now led 3-2 but the drama was not finished there, after Dorchester's Jack Dickson levelled the scores at 3-3 right after Totton went ahead.
After a nervy period of extra time, 35 year old Austin poked home from close range in the 119th minute and booked his side's progression to the final.
FULL TIME 🦌💙
— AFC Totton ⚽️🦌 (@AFCTotton) April 30, 2025
STAGS ARE THROUGH TO THE FINAL!!
Charlie Austin wins it for Jimmy Ball’s men!!!!
Stags Social Media sponsored by: @SolentStreetSO4 @solentsport @dailyechosport @Lymingtontimes @swsportsnews @SolentSportNews @ForestEdgeGaz @DorchTownFC #GoStags🦌 pic.twitter.com/H44Bl13g0h
It is the second successive season in which Ball's charges have reached the final, after they were beaten by Salisbury at Snows Stadium in May 2024.
They will take on Gloucester City, who eliminated Walton & Hersham via penalties after a 2-2 draw in their semi final, on Wednesday, April 30.
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