ADAM Wilde’s wonder strike brought a beaming smile to the face AFC Totton boss Louis Langdown this afternoon – and left his Winchester City counterpart Craig Davis wondering when their luck will turn.

Winchester enjoyed more of the chances in the Southern One South & West derby at the Denplan City Ground, but one 14th-minute magic moment from player/assistant boss Adam Wilde ensured the Stags went home gleeful 1-0 winners.

“It was a ridiculous shot by Adam,” smiled Langdown. “He was three yards in his own half, right on the touchline and he’s drilled it in like an arrow, no bounce, nothing.

“If I’m honest, it was our only shot, but we’ve turned up with an incredibly young, scratch team with no Matt Bozier, Nathaniel Sherborne or Alex Haynes, and we’ve put up an excellent rearguard action.

“Half of these lads are playing for nothing and to put their bodies on the line like they did, I couldn’t ask for more. We’ve scored a wonder goal and defended manfully.”

While Totton move up a place to 19th with one game remaining, Davis’s big hope for mid-table Winchester is that their luck will turn next season.

They have played some decent football during his five games in charge and the disappointment of today’s result was offset by news that he has been confirmed as boss for 2017/18.

City had their chances – plenty, in fact – but could find no way past Totton’s on-loan AFC Bournemouth keeper Pat O’Flaherty.

Reflecting on the goal, Davis said. “I played with Adam Wilde at Gosport and I know he’s got that in his locker. Credit to him and credit to Totton.

“Their keeper’s had the game of his life. He’s tipped one onto the woodwork from Joe Briggs’ header and made a reaction save from IK Hill from a yard.

“We’ve had one scrambled off the line and several one-on-ones, but it wasn’t to be unfortunately.”

An official statement released by Winchester's director of football Dave Malone said: "Following our excellent performance today (despite the result) we are pleased to report that Craig Davis will be our manager for the 2017/18 season.

"We appreciate that results under Craig have thus far been disappointing, but we have every confidence that he will bring much needed quality and stability to the club in time for the start of the new season.

"Watch this space for news of several new signings, which will most certainly enhance our current squad.

"We trust and hope that true City supporters will understand and support our decision to appoint Craig and be fully behind him in his quest for success."

*Salisbury climbed to second with a 5-2 win over Wimborne, courtesy of Tommy Wright (2), Lewis Benson (2) and Kane O’Keefe. The Whites left it late though, scoring four in the last ten minutes after the Magpies had led 2-1.