Moss adds power to Totton promotion drive (From Daily Echo)

Moss adds power to Totton promotion drive

8:40am Friday 3rd February 2012 in Sport

AFC Totton believe Ryan Moss’s physical presence could be the key to opening the lock to the Conference South.

Totton were already awash with strike talent prior to 25-year-old Moss a short-term contract this week.

With Nathaniel Sherborne, Michael Charles, Mark Osman, Stefan Brown and Nathan Jack on board, the Stags seemed to have all their frontline bases covered.

Yet manager Stuart Ritchie firmly believes that former Dorchester and Bashley frontman Moss is the missing link.

“Ryan’s got great physical presence, he’s aggressive, good in the air, has a decent turn of pace and he scores goals,” said Ritchie.

“I said all along we needed that type of player to help us in this league – especially in away games. We could have done with one at Barwell (a 3-2 defeat).”

Totton have long been known as a team brimming with dangerous frontmen – a fact borne out last season when they banged in 121 goals on their way to winning the Division One South & West title. But promotion has taught them that different strengths are required at the higher level and, in Moss, they have bagged themselves a proven Conference South performer who defenders hate to play against.

Ritchie said: “We’re in the Southern Premier now and things evolve. You have to look at the league, assess it and see what you need.

“Every team in this league has a big, strong player who can hold the ball up and make a nuisance of himself – and, in some cases, the top teams have got two.

“Ever since Christmas we’ve been angling to get that sort of player in.”

Moss is expected to go straight into Totton’s squad for tomorrow’s vital home game against St Albans City.

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