AFC TOTTON’S upsurge in form will be put to the test on Saturday when they travel to second-placed Cinderford Town.

After finally getting their first Southern One South & West win under their belts at home to Yate three weeks ago, the Stags enjoyed a 5-0 romp at Bridgwater last weekend.

Confidence is flowing, although manager Steve Hollick said that, even during the lean times, Totton had never lacked self-belief.

“The players have been lifted by the last couple of weeks, but there’s always been confidence in the camp,” he said. “When results weren’t going for us there was a lot of head-scratching because we were looking round the dressing room knowing we’ve got a good squad.

“Things are more upbeat when you’re winning and it makes it easier going into game a bit more relaxed.

"Apart from Mark Lilley, who’s got a groin injury, we’ve got a full squad for Saturday, although we’re being a bit cautious with (winger) Nick Watts. He’s training, but he’s getting some reaction to his knee, so we’re wrapping him in cotton wool.”

Totton have disbanded their under-18s for one season following the departure of manager Shawn Kitcher, who is now with Totton & Eling.

Several players left and the club had to pull out of the FA Youth Cup, having been due to play at Bournemouth Poppies in the first qualifying round today.

“We’ve kept the players we wanted, like Jack Attrill, Matty Brewer, Keenan New and Jake Rawkins, and we’ll rebuild for next season,” said Hollick.

“We’ve still got under-16s, who will be our under-18s next season, and we’ve got under-8s, 9s and10s as part of Joe Maxwell’s community section. Hopefully we’ll get under-7s next year and go right through from there to the first team. We’ll take a leaf out of Sholing’s book, they’ve done it really well.”

Former Eastleigh reserves, Romsey and Totton & Eling boss Wayne Mew has taken charge of Totton’s reserves following Rich Hayter's departure to Brockenhurst.