AFC TOTTON flushed away the nightmare of their midweek Mangotsfield mauling by collecting a hard-earned point at home to Cinderford Town on Saturday.

After leaking six goals on their travels, the Stags steadied the ship by recovering from a first-half error and slogging out a 1-1 Southern One South & West draw.

With goalkeeper Steve Mowthorpe caught in two minds whether to come for the ball in a blustery wind, Totton’s defence failed to deal with Elliott Keightley’s cross, presenting Jack Camm with Cinderford’s 30th-minute opener.

It remained that way until three minutes from time when Nathaniel Sherborne rescued the Stags a well-deserved share of the spoils, smashing the ball into the top corner after Rob Flooks had whipped a cross over to the far post and Nathan Hurst had volleyed it back across.

Totton might even have won it at the death with substitute Taylor Edwards getting in behind and forcing ’keeper Alex Harris into a top-drawer save and then shaving the post with a free kick.

And it was Josh Nelmes foul on Taylor in stoppage time that led to the visitors finishing the game with ten men.

“We deserved at least a point. The lads worked their socks off,” said Totton boss Steve Riley.

“Cinderford are a good, well organised side and we had to dig in against them.

“Rob Flooks, Ellis White, Liam Hibberd and Drew Bridge were solid at the back with Steve Mowthorpe sweeping up behind.

“Attacking-wise we were getting into the final third, but we didn’t quite have that final delivery.

“We could have given up the ghost, but we didn’t and our equaliser was a well-worked goal.

“That’s seven points out of the last 12 for us. The boys have worked tirelessly on some heavy pitches, we’ve got a few injuries and we need to rest up now ready for Sholing (away) on Saturday.”

Totton were without Liam Gilbert and Stuart Mott, both sidelined by ankle problems, and handed a midfield debut to new loan signing Billy Lowes from Poole Town.