Gilly at the double as Totton secure first league win (From Daily Echo)

Gilly at the double as Totton secure first league win

3:39pm Monday 3rd September 2012 in Sport By Wendy Gee

RICHARD Gillespie climbed off his sickbed to get AFC Totton ’s season up and running with a headed first-half brace against Bedford Town on Saturday.

The former Bashley and Eastleigh striker missed Monday’s 4-1 defeat at Hemel Hempstead with food poisoning, but showed stomach for a fight at the Testwood Stadium as the Stags chalked up their first win of the Evo-Stik Premier campaign.

On both occasions it was twinkle-toed wideman Jonathan Davies who provided the ammunition for Gillespie.

It brought a broad smile to the face of manager Steve Riley who had waited patiently for his first league victory since succeeding Stuart Ritchie at the Totton helm.

“I was chuffed to bits with everyone’s performance and workrate,” he beamed.

“Last Monday at Hemel we went in 1-0 up at half-time but we couldn’t see the game out. But today we did. It gives everyone a lift and relaxes the whole team when you take your chances. Hopefully we can kick on from here.

“Gilly hadn’t been well all week. He couldn’t train because he didn’t have the energy, so I’m really pleased for him. That’s four goals he’s got this season.

“Gareth Barfoot did well in goal too. He made one outstanding save at 2-0, swept up well and his distribution was good. Everyone defended well.”

AFC Totton tomorrow (Tuesday) pay a league visit to Weymouth, who are due to play Totton & Eling in the FA Cup at neighbouring Little Testwood Farm on Saturday.