NICK Watts says playing for AFC Totton has “brought me back to life.”

The 23-year-old was an FA Vase winner with Sholing two years ago but his career stalled last season when he struggled to force his way into the Boatmen's side.

A summer move to the Testwood Stadium has done the former Portsmouth trainee a power of good, however, with Saturday’s 2-1 clincher against North Leigh hoisting his goal tally to 14.

Having played the best supporting role for Nathaniel Sherborne to wipe out the visitors’ early opener, Watts became the leading man in the 65th-minute when, given space on the right, he sweetly lofted the ball over surprised keeper Ben Taylor and into the far, top corner from 25 yards.

But much as he would love to have passed it off as a stroke of genius, he admitted: "It was a cross!

“They stood off me, so I thought I’d hang it up to the back post. I hit it well and it went in.

“But the stats don’t lie. That’s 14 goals now and six assists, which shows what I can do when I’m playing week in, week out.

“Diaps (manager Dave Diaper) did a lot for me at Sholing, but it didn’t work out there. I’m not bitter, it’s football and it’s all about opinions.

"Coming to Totton has been a good move for me, it's brought me back to life.”

Once the Stags had flushed a shambolic start out of their systems, they led Southern One South & West play-off hopefuls North Leigh a merry dance.

Having fallen behind to a fourth-minute Lance Williams header from Jamie Cook’s free kick, they equalised in similar fashion just after the half-hour - Watts delivering to the back stick where Sherborne rose for his 19th goal of the season.

From threatening to overrun their hosts, North Leigh were in danger of being swamped themselves as Totton, inspired by midfield duo Neil Williams and Jack Alexander, took a grip on the game.

A change of referee early in the second half interrupted proceedings as the unwell Iain Parsons made way for linesman Nigel Sykes.

North Leigh assistant manager Terry Merriman gamely stepped in to run the line, but he won't have admired the view from the other end as Watts inadvertently fired Totton ahead.

The Oxfordshire visitors still carried a goal threat – principally George Seacole who had earlier forced Totton stopper Steve Mowthorpe to save with his legs – but it was Taylor who had much the busier afternoon.

Having tipped over Watts' shot on the run shortly before half-time, he made a diving, fingertip save to keep out Mark Gamble’s 30-yard free kick.

The North Leigh goal then led a charmed life when, from Watts’s corner, sub Dylan Knight and Gamble both clattered the bar with headers.

“Apart from the poor start, I felt we had the game under control and had more clearcut chances,” said Watts.

“Willo (Williams) and Jack Alexander worked their socks off and everyone dug in to get the result.”

Manager Steve Hollick agreed: “Neil Williams and Jack Alexander were exceptional.

“We were at sixes and sevens for the opening ten to 15 minutes but, credit to the lads, they cleared their heads and were pretty comfortable for the rest of the game."

AFC Totton: Steve Mowthorpe, Liam Hibberd, Ian Oliver, Neil Williams, Tony Rolls, Pat Wilson, Nick Watts, Jack Alexander, Mark Gamble (Jake Burgess, 90), Nathaniel Sherborne, Mark Lilley (Dylan Knight, 73). Subs (not used) Mitch Hunt, Victor Silvestre, Matt Brewer.

Referee: Iain Parsons

Attendance: 250