AFC TOTTON boss Steve Hollick has given a huge vote of thanks to Shortwood United for helping the Stags out of a spot of bother on Tuesday night.

Totton’s team coach became the talk of the Gloucestershire town of Nailsworth after blocking the main road to Shortwood’s ground for four hours when the driver got it stuck trying to turn a tight corner.

Manager Steve Hollick and his players had to hike the final mile down the winding roads to the Meadowbank ground and it wasn’t until 9.45pm that the coach driver managed to free the wedged-in vehicle with the assistance of locals, the police and a tow truck.

Shortwood themselves were also a big help, laying on a minibus to ferry the Totton players back to the coach after a thrilling, rollercoaster game, which the hosts won 5-3.

“Shortwood were brilliant,” said Hollick.”They could have just left us stranded, but they put on a minibus to take us back to the coach and one of the guys associated with the club was a mechanic and went along to help.

“It’s good to know there are still such nice people involved in football.”

Totton will be hoping for a smoother journey on Saturday when they take on the might of Southern One South & West leaders Banbury United in Oxfordshire.

It begins a testing run of three games for the Stags, who host second-placed Cinderford on Tuesday and fourth-placed Swindon Supermarine next Saturday.

Despite the Shortwood result, Hollick was hugely encouraged by the performance – barring a slack ten minutes straddling half-time which cost them three goals.

From 3-0 down, they hit back to 3-3 through Neil Williams, Nathaniel Sherborne and Mike Gosney (penalty) only to be sunk by two top-drawer strikes from outside the area.

“We did really well to get back into the game and played some good stuff,” said Hollick. “But the two goals right at the end wouldn’t have looked out of place in the Premier League. Mowy (goalkeeper Steve Mowthorpe) didn’t stand a chance.

“In hindsight, we should probably have shut up shop and settled for a draw, but our momentum was such that I thought there was only going to be one winner.

“After a couple of iffy performances, our big guns all turned up on Tuesday and young Jake Burgess had his best game in a Totton shirt.

“We’ve got a tough run coming up, but we know we’re as good as anyone on our day.”

Midfielder Jack Alexander (knee) is still out, while striker Mark Gamble has some swelling on his ankle.