AFC TOTTON paid the price for a poor start at Stratford Town tonight – but that was about all they did wrong.

After conceding twice in the first 11 minutes, the Stags quickly got to grips with another tough Evo-Stik Southern One South & West assignment and could count themselves unlucky to lose 3-1 to the fourth-placed Warwickshire outfit.

Kevin Charlery and Robert Thompson-Brown caught the visitors napping early on, but Totton hit back in the 56th- minute when Joe Maxwell played Taylor Edwards through for his second goal in four days.

The Stags dominated from then on and went precious close to levelling when Stuart Mott headed a free-kick against the bar.

But Stratford somehow rode the storm and Charlery scored a breakaway goal with virtually the last kick of the game.

“It was one of those games where you come away thinking how did we get nothing out of it?” said Stags boss Steve Riley.

“The boys did the club proud tonight and I feel for them.

“Everyone – the Stratford manager included – said we deserved something from the game.

“We made them nervous tonight, we really did.

“It’s disappointing, but we can’t be too down and gloomy about it. Our character and work-rate were superb.

“Everything that’s happened will stand these lads in good stead for the rest of this season and beyond.” Totton complete their quartet of games against the division’s top four on Saturday at home to leaders Merthyr Town.