AFC Totton secured their place in the second round of the Southampton Senior Cup with a narrow win over Wessex Premier side Bashley.

Dubbed the ‘Stags derby’ thanks to both clubs sharing the Stags moniker, quality chances were at a premium in a tight affair.

Jack Hoey’s strike five minutes before the break was the deciding goal in an encounter played in front of 266 souls that braved the December cold.

The two sides reached the semi-finals of the competition when it was last held in the 2019/20 season, with both clubs losing – Totton on penalties to Bush Hill, whilst Bashley were knocked out by Blackfield & Langley.

No final was held that year, meaning the current holders of the cup are Bashley’s Wessex Prem rivals Alresford Town, who lifted the trophy back in 2019.

Totton will go on to play 13th tier Durley FC in the second round, with a potential trip to St Mary’s on offer for sides that reach the final.

Next up for the Southern League Stags is another New Forest club, Lymington, who visit Snows Stadium on Monday, December 27 (3pm kick-off).

Lymington themselves were also in action on Tuesday night, dispatching Fleet Town 2-1 in the Russell Cotes Cup.

Victory for the Linnets sets up an away tie at Wessex Prem Moneyfields in the quarter finals.

Bashley visit a resurgent Christchurch in the Wessex Prem on Monday, with kick-off at Hurn Bridge a slightly earlier 1pm kick-off.