Match report: Totton & Eling FC seal 1-1 Wessex League Division One draw with Cove FC after Theo Widger triple save
Totton & Eling were celebrating after Theo Widger’s heroic triple save sealed a late 1-1 Wessex League Division One draw against Cove on Saturday.
With the match finely balanced in the 91st minute, the referee awarded a late spot-kick. The shot-stopper came to the rescue, saving before springing up and saving twice more to rescue the draw.
Cove took the lead after just 13 minutes when Will Mabukwa slotted home, but Harry Yeadon equalised from the spot before Widger’s late triple save.
The opening goal came in controversial circumstances, with everyone but the linesman and referee thinking Mabukwa had strayed offside, but the goal was given, and the hosts trailed.
Perhaps feeling guilty, seven minutes later, Totton & Eling were awarded a soft-looking penalty. Yeadon, never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, stepped up and slotted home.
Totton were in total control, and they went close multiple times before Cove had the ball in the back of the net from a corner. However, the goal was ruled out after keeper Widger was fouled in the build-up.
Moments after the break, Cove clattered a decent effort off the bar, and both sides had chances to score before the referee awarded a penalty in added time.
Widger dived low to his right with a firm hand, pushing the ball away. In a flash, the shot-stopper was on his feet, blocking the follow-up effort with his shins before punching the ball away moments before the ball could be headed home.
The Millers take on Romsey Town away from home in Wessex League Division One action on Friday at 7.45pm.
Totton & Eling: T. Widger, A. Pattison, J. Hughes, D. Sadler, S. Hanson, J. Smith, J. Clark, T. Pattison, N. McKenley-Burke, J. Craven, H. Yeadon. Subs: R. Agberhiere, O. Landreth, D. Male, L. Cordeddu, G. Cole.