AFC TOTTON’S maximum-point start to the Evo-Stik South West season has been very much a team affair.

But if manager Louis Langdown had to pick out some of the stars of the early-season show, it would be new defensive acquisition Stuart Mott and the boys that have made the step up from the Sydenhams Wessex League.

Mott, who previously played for Totton before joining the Army, was with Winchester City last term.

He signed forms for the Stags late last week and has put in two superlative performances in 3-1 wins over Barnstaple and Bishop’s Cleeve, defending doggedly and scoring in each game.

“We’ve been missing Dave Allen through a foot injury and everyone knows what Stuart offers – he’s a really good defender who attacks the ball in both boxes,” said Langdown.

“He’s in the Army, but he’ll be with us when available. We signed him on Friday and he’s come up trumps.”

Tuesday’s win at Gloucestershire-based Bishop’s Cleeve was a real eye opener for Totton’s Southern League new boys – not least because of the travelling.

“We left at 3.30pm and got back at 1pm. Lads like Callum Chugg (formerly Fawley) and Pip Nolan (ex-Team Solent) are not used to that,” said Langdown.

“Everyone’s played their part and the Wessex boys have really stepped up and played well.

“Toby Adekunle (formerly Team Solent) has been excellent, creating havoc on the wings.

“These boys know they could go and play in the Wessex League and get more money than they do here.”

Skipper Allen could be back available for Saturday's FA Cup preliminary round tie at Fleet Town, but right-back Connor York – runner-up to Allen in last term’s supporters’ player-of-the-year vote – is not quite ready yet having picked up a knee injury in pre-season. Sam Roberts has been doing a sterling job in York’s absence.

“It’s been a really good start,” smiled Langdown, whose side sit proudly aloft the fledgling league table.

“To get points on the board quickly is key for us. We're two games closer to safety!

“From where we were last year (19th), an improvement in the league and a Cup run would be great.

“It would be nice to get through in the FA Cup on Saturday because for the last two years the club have lost in this round.”

Unlike Totton, Fleet have found points hard to come by in the opening week of the season. They sit fourth to bottom of the Evo-Stik South East, having lost 4-0 at AFC Dunstable and drawn 1-1 at home to Chalfont St Peter.