VT FC claimed the derby bragging rights after triumphing 2-0 at AFC Totton in a low key Red Insure Cup second round tie last night, but victorious boss Dave Diaper wasn't getting too carried away.

The Boatmen secured victory at Testwood Park against ten-man Totton thanks to a trademark left-footed free-kick from ex-Saints youngster Ryan Ashford and a Kevin Gibbens header 15 minutes from time.

The Stags were reduced to ten-men when emergency goalkeeper signing Denis Wheeler, signed on dual registration terms from Totton & Eling as Gareth Barfoot (back injury) and his deputy Simon Arthur (unavailable) were missing, was red-carded early in the second half for a professional foul.

Striker James Taylor, who started the game at centre-back for the Stags who, like VT, made multiple changes to their team for last night's game, ended up in even more unfamiliar surroundings when he took over in goal for the remainder of the game.

The two sides will meet again in the league at Portsmouth Road on Boxing Day, a game that will carry much more importance with both Totton and VT in the Zamaretto 1 South & West promotion hunt.

Diaper said: “The big crunch will be that game because both teams will be at full-strength.

“So I’m not going to go over the top about tonight.”

For full story see today’s Daily Echo