AFC TOTTON boss Louis Langdown was doubly pleased with Tuesday’s 1-0 home win over Moneyfields.

Not only did it get the Stags off the mark in the Evo-Stik Division One South, but they beat a Moneys side that Langdown rates highly.

“Without being condescending, Moneyfields are better than people think and we had to stand up and be counted,” said Langdown, after Craig Feeney's late first-half winner had bagged Totton the points. 

“Based on what I saw, they’ll be right up there competing with the best in the league.

"Most teams in this league might be underdogs to Moneyfields, based on their expenditure and the players they've got."

Totton follow an FA Cup preliminary round tie on the 3G at Hamworthy United on Saturday with a lunchtime league trip to Blackfield & Langley (Monday, 1pm).

With skipper/midfielder Jack Masterton out long-term with a dislocated shoulder, Liam Crook stepped into the breach on Tuesday. When he went off with a slight knee problem, young sub Alex Haynes, 18, proved he was more than up for the job.

“Alex played too much football last year –for his college, for Bemerton and for us – but he came back fitter and stronger and he’s been on it,” said Langdown.

“I was pleasantly surprised by what we got from him. He’s a local lad as well, so that's good.”

Discussing skipper Masterton's injury, Langdown said: "It took ages to pop it (the shoulder) back in.

"He's been referred to a specialist but they can't do anything until the shoulder settles down, then we'll wait and see what the specialist comes back with.

"I think we're looking at months out rather than weeks, which is a great shame."