AFC TOTTON managed a comprehensive 4-0 win over struggling local rivals Bashley last night despite an uncharacteristically slow performance.

It was a largely uneventful first half, with Totton having most of the possession but nothing to show for their efforts, writes Talia Jones. 

However, Nathaniel Sherborne was a threat from the outset and Bash goalkeeper Rob Gillett had to produce a one-handed save in just the second minute.

Sherborne’s determination paid off on 24 minutes. His solo run from the halfway line brought him to the penalty box and he effortlessly dispatched the ball past Gillett to give the Stags the lead.

Both teams appeared lack-lustre and low in confidence after defeats in their last matches, and it took 36 minutes for Bashley to trouble Totton goalkeeper Steve Mowthorpe, who made a routine catch to maintain his clean sheet.

Chances were few and far between after half-time until a lay-off from Sherborne found Craig Feeney on the penalty spot and he slotted the ball into the bottom right corner to double the lead.

It was definitely not Totton’s best performance of the season, but they were still managing to create goal-scoring opportunities.

 On 71 minutes, Sherborne blasted the ball home from close range, leaving Gillett with no chance to prevent his second of the game.

Misplaced passes from both teams left the game feeling a little disjointed, especially in the second half, but substitutes Jake Rawkins, James Roden and Matty Brewer breathed new air into the Totton side.

Brewer, who made his debut on Saturday in the 3-0 defeat to Cinderford, nearly made it four goals to the home side, but for a sliding tackle.

But with five minutes remaining, Rawkins’ curling cross into the box found Mike Gosney who headed the ball into the top right corner, just out of reach of Gillett.

Totton will be grateful to have got the three points in the bag after a good result but an unconvincing performance against a struggling Bashley side.

The win lifts them one place in the table to 17th, while rock-bottom Bashley look to be in serious trouble already.

The Stags play Tiverton Town away in the FA Trophy on Saturday, but Gosney believes the squad will have to revise their strategy for the weekend.

“We were okay in patches today but will have to improve a lot against Tiverton," he said.

“Tiverton will be a big test for us and we will have to up the tempo a lot more, but it would be great if we could get a result and go on a cup run.”