AT one stage this season AFC Totton boss Steve Hollick would have bitten your hand off to bank ten points from a possible 12.

But there was disappointment at the Testwood Stadium yesterday as the Stags’ three-matching winning streak was halted by a stoppage-time leveller from Marlow’s Adam Richards, salvaging the visitors a 2-2 draw.

Dylan Knight had twice put Totton in front in a sometimes spicy Southern One South & West contest and, with a tad more composure in front of goal, Hollick is convinced they would have won it.

“The late equaliser was a kick in the teeth because we played really well again,” he said.

“They came to try and beat us up and that didn’t work out, but they’ve caught us with a sucker punch.

“We had enough chances to win two games but weren’t clinical enough in the final third.

“Marlow have got some decent players, like Jordace Holder-Spooner (ex-Saints and Eastleigh), but we defended well. To concede that late in such wet, windy conditions was unfortunate.

“Eight weeks ago we’d have taken the point with bells on, but the equaliser came from the ball being slashed across the face of goal and ricocheting in off someone.”

Totton opened the scoring when skipper Liam Hibberd picked out the run of Knight, who showed excellent composure to delicately lift the ball over on-rushing keeper Simon Grant with 24 minutes gone.

But Jay Welch quickly hit back, picking the ball up midway inside Totton’s half and unleashing a shot that wrong-footed the Stags’ otherwise immaculate goalkeeper Steve Mowthorpe.

The lively Nick Watts, Knight, Mike Gosney and big Canadian centre-back Pat Wilson had opportunities to restore Totton’s lead before they finally made it 2-1 on 86 minutes.

Gosney showed skill and pace to get away from two red shirts and crossed for Watts, who didn’t get hold of the ball properly. It fell to Knight who was in a prime position to poke it home – albeit that he jarred his shoulder in the process and is now a doubt for Tuesday’s trip to Wimborne Town.

Totton are expected to complete the signing of Wimborne striker Mark Gamble early this week.

Gamble, the Magpies’ top scorer for the last two seasons, has been out of action since October having displaced two bones in his foot and sustained ankle ligament damage. He was given the all-clear after a medical with Totton physio Dave Penny yesterday.

Winchester’s trip to Slimbridge was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch as was Bashley’s home showdown with Swindon Supermarine.