EX-SAINT Pedro Monteiro (AKA Pele) had a run-out for AFC Totton in their 3-2 home friendly win over Sholing on Saturday.
Pele, who will be running the Stags’ under-16s this season as part of the youth link-up with Matt Le Tissier’s Natural Coaching (MLTNC), may be available for the odd Southern League game further down the line.
Totton's assistant manager Andy Darnton said of the 38-year-old former Cape Verde international: “Pele came in and did really well. He sat in the middle, he’s a good talker and he helped the younger players.
“He needs to get a bit fitter and will be available as and when he can, subject to his work at MLTNC.
“He’s very level-headed and has achieved a lot in his career.”
It was 2-2 at half-time with Sholing brothers Dan and Barry Mason scrubbing out a two-goal Totton lead earned by Nathaniel Sherborne and a trademark Mike Gosney free-kick.
Totton won it with the last kick of the game when new full-back signing Curtis Angell – nephew of former Southend striker Brett – set up young Callum Hellyer to coolly beat the onrushing Jordan Brooks.
Unfortunately for Totton they lost striker Dylan Knight to a shoulder injury.
“Dylan's shoulder popped out and it’s popped back in again now. We’ll have to assess it over the next week to see if there’s any damage there,” reported Darnton.
Following tomorrow's trip to play Brockenhurst at Grigg Lane (Tuesday, 7.45pm), Totton entertain Lymington Town on Thursday (7.45pm) and Thatcham Town on Saturday (July 30) before winding up pre-season against Havant & Waterlooville at Westleigh Park on Monday (August 1, 7.45pm).
Steve Hollick’s Stags already have three pre-season wins under their belts having previously beaten Andover Town 3-0 and Team Solent 5-0, both away.
*Salisbury's Brandon Mundy opened the scoring and then limped off with an ankle injury in the Whites' 3-2 win at Moneyfields.
Tom Whelan and Danny Young were also on target for the Wiltshire visitors, with Alex Shephard and Dan Gauntlett replying for Moneys.
Salisbury entertain League Two outfit Yeovil Town tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.30pm).
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