Match report: Dominant AFC Totton left stunned by late goal in 1-0 Southern League Premier Division South loss to Hanwell Town FC

AFC Totton left West London empty-handed after being caught out by a late counter-attack as they pushed for a winning goal late in proceedings on Saturday.

The Stags lost by the odd goal after a disappointing and frustrating second half, in which they were punished when Hanwell scored their winner in the 84th minute.

“I thought we threw everything at it”, said AFC Totton boss Jimmy Ball. “I thought we had a right go. I don’t think a lot went for us on the day. We managed to have a look back at the tape for Charlie Austin’s goal – that’s seven goals this season that have been given as offside, and he hasn’t been offside for any of them! In the first half, he’s onside, and in the second half, the ball’s gone backwards, so it’s a really poor decision.

“I thought the lads fought brilliantly. We threw bodies forward and had a right go, and they’ve had one breakaway and scored it, so it really hurts to lose that when we had the ball in the back of the net twice.”

The Stags made the brightest start, with Tony Lee going close with a header and Richard McIntyre firing over after teeing himself up for a half-volley by the edge of the area.

After torrential weather, the game became fairly scrappy, with players slipping on the surface and chances hard to come by.

After the break, Hanwell started the second half on top, with many crosses into the box, but the Stags back line dealt with everything that came their way.

With 75 minutes played, former Premier League striker Austin found some space and fired home after a brilliant cut-back. As the celebrations took off, the linesman raised his flag, much to the chagrin of the Stags bench.

AFC Totton were in complete control, fashioning multiple chances. But as the match entered the 84th minute, the hosts broke quickly with a good finish past Ryan Gosney by Giovanni McGregor stunning the visitors.

The Stags take on fifth-placed Dorchester Town at home on Saturday.

AFC Totton: R. Gosney, J. Oastler, C. Kennedy, S. Magri, A. Tomasso, S. Rendell, C. Austin, C. Tanner, R. Collins, T. Lee, R. McIntyre. Subs: B. Jefford, B. Seymour, E. Taylor, L. Hallett, L. Bennett.