AFC TOTTON boss Steve Hollick is hoping Saturday’s solid 0-0 draw at Evesham United will provide the platform for better things to come.

Defending has continued to be a frailty for the Stags this season but, strengthened by ex-Salisbury centre-back Jack Vallis, they returned from Worcestershire with their first clean sheet of 2016/17 and a well-deserved Southern One South & West point.

It could have been more as, with 15 minutes to play, Evesham debutant Leroy Odiero was sent off for a second yellow card.

But Totton’s best chance came and went in stoppage time when Nathaniel Sherborne broke clear only to fire against the post.

“It was a good point and a fair result,” said Hollick.

“It probably should have been 2-2. They edged the first half and ballooned a couple of chances over the bar and, for us, Dave Allen missed a good opportunity and Sherbs hit the post.

“The lads were excellent and worked really hard for each other.

“Hopefully this has given them the belief that we can actually defend and get involved in decent Southern League games like this one.

“We lost 6-0 at Evesham last season, so to get a 0-0 is pleasing. Defending has been our Achilles heel, but we made no individual errors this time. We controlled what we wanted to do.”

Totton, 19th, were without Neil Williams – a target of Winchester City – and the suspended Jake Burgess, so Liam Hibberd joined Allen in the middle of the park, while Dan Munday partnered Sherborne up front.

“Sherbs and Dan were excellent,” said the boss. “They covered every inch of grass.”