AFC Totton head into a crucial week of Calor Southern Premier Division fixtures in high spirits.

The festive week could bring valuable tidings for Steve Riley’s men with crunch ties with fellow strugglers St Neots Town on Saturday (3pm) before an even bigger game at rock-bottom Bashley on Boxing Day.

And the Stags have already enjoyed some Advent elation with a crucial 3-1 win over Chippenham Town last Saturday. Alex Moth, Sam House and Luke Roberts scored in that game, ending an eight-match league losing streak.

Totton were then gifted extra preparation time with the cancellation of Tuesday’s Poole Town tie.

“We have lots of vital games to prepare for in the next ten days, St Neots is obviously a big game and that is followed by a local derby with Bashley,” Riley said.

“The Poole game cancellation has allowed us to recuperate and organise ourselves for the busy schedule ahead. Poole are a strong side so that postponement has helped us keep our high spirits.

“After the Chippenham victory, confidence is running high. But there are no easy games at this level and we’re aiming to get at least a few points under our belts over Christmas and the New Year week.

“It’s important to try and focus on getting points against the teams around us, with the clubs higher up you’re obviously going to stand less of a chance.

“Psychologically, that 3-1 victory will give us an advantage in these matches. It was a top result and performance from our young team.

“We are aiming to gain a bit of consistency, that is important and to keep levels up and ourselves focused. St Neots will be an interesting game, we have to perform.

“They (St Neots) pulled off a big win against Hemel Hempstead but we were thrashed 8-1 by them, so you never know how the team will play.”

Ryan Hill returns for the Stags following a hip problem but Zac Mouland will be serving a one match ban after picking up five yellow cards.

St Neots have won two of their last three matches, most recently losing 1-0 to bottom-half side Burnham.

However, the Bedfordshire team are unbeaten at home in the last two matches and in their last game at the Rowley Park Stadium they won 3-1 against fellow strugglers Froome Town.

They are one of only four teams to have defeated table-toppers Hemel Hempstead winning 4-1 at home.