Marine 1 AFC Totton 1

Match Report from Pete Crockett

MARINE AND TOTTON SHARE THE SPOILS

The points were shared between Swindon Supermarine and AFC Totton in a competitive game on a tacky surface on Saturday.

Marine went close in the 6th minute when a free kick from Michael Fernandes hit the post and bounced clear of the advancing attackers. Three minutes later Totton’s Roddy Collins hooked a ball over the top for Tom Blair who shot for goal but Marine keeper Fiachra Pagel made an excellent save.

On thirteen minutes Marine took the lead when IOAN RICHARDS soared like a phoenix to power a header into the back of the net, converting from a Michael Fernandes corner. Four minutes later the Stags were on level terms.

Charlie Kennedy played in Ben Seymour down the right touchline. He cut inside and powered a low cross towards the front post. The cross was netted at close range by CHARLIE AUSTIN with the striker having shrewdly gained an extra yard on his marker.

With 24 minutes elapsed Totton’s Ben Seymour went down in the box. Referee Daniel Malyon decreed it was a fair challenge. In a game with a few tough calls to make the officials deserve credit for getting the big shouts right.

Totton were the first to go close in the second half with Charlie Austin crossing for Ben Seymour who forced a good save from Fiachra Pagel with his legs. On 53 minutes Totton were reduced to ten men when, after a hasty challenge, left back Ben Jefford received a second yellow card.

Totton then dropped a little deeper to compensate for being a man down. Marine had chances to win the game. A good advantage from the referee saw Harry Williams send Olly Mehew clear but the substitute’s effort went wide of the post.

With ten minutes to go Henry Spalding broke down the left flank and from the goal line zipped in a menacing low cross. A goal mouth scramble ensued but the ball just would not fall to a Marine player. In stoppage time an Olly Mehew goal bound shot was inadvertently blocked by teammate Sam Turl on the goal line.

At the final whistle Marine were the more disappointed with the draw – something some might not have anticipated pre-match. However, the reality is this Marine team is talented enough to go toe-to-toe with top of the table sides – this is evidenced by the two competitive games against AFC Totton and the excellent home victory against Dorchester Town.

Looking at Marine’s display there were numerous impressive performances. Fiachra Pagel between the sticks made several crucial saves and claimed crosses commandingly; wing backs Sam Turl and Ryan Campbell defended steadfastly and overlapped with impressive zeal; centre backs Jake Lee, Ioan Richards and Nick Peare were resolute in their tackling, dominant in the air, and endeavoured to build intelligently from the back.

Anton Dworzak put in an outstanding midfield shift that combined high energy with surging forward runs and precise passing; Zack Kotwica alongside him was tenacious and industrious.

Up top Michael Fernandes and Lucius Vine kept the Totton defenders on their toes. Harry Williams meanwhile led the line superbly – he defended from the front, held the ball up effectively, and gave the experienced Totton centre backs a testing time. This was, in all honesty, an excellent Marine performance.

Post match Swindon Supermarine head coach Stuart Fleetwood offered the following thoughts: “I think we dominated the game – maybe only conceding three chances against an outstanding team who have only lost two games all season and are flying high. We played our game and dominated from start to finish. We hit the post and had the chances to win it. I thought Ioan Richards was outstanding today and all three central defenders were excellent. Pag’s in goal was commanding today, he made some really impressive saves and showed good character.“

This was, as Stuart Fleetwood said, a strong Marine performance – well done Marine!

Marine Star Man: – The team’s central spine – Ioan Richards, Anton Dworzak and Harry Williams
Totton Star Man: Ben Seymour
Attendance: 406

Line Ups

SWINDON SUPERMARINE
Head Coach: Stuart Fleetwood
Colours: Blue & White Hoops
Line-up: 1. Fiachra Pagel 2. Sam Turl 3. Ryan Campbell 4. Jake Lee 5. Ioan Richards 6. Anton Dworzak 7. Zack Kotwica 8. Nick Peare 9. Harry Williams 10. Michael Fernandes (16. Henry Spalding 86’) 11. Lucias Vine (12.Olly Mehew 63’)
Subs not used: 14. Jamie Edge 15. Gabe Reivers 17.Dayo Sonoiki
Goalscorers: Ioan Richards 12’
Cards:
Ryan Campbell 61’, Ioan Richards 74’
None
None

AFC TOTTON
Manager: Jimmy Ball
Colours: Grey & Turquoise
Line-up: 13. Ryan Gosney 2. Joe Oastler (c) 3. Ben Jefford 5. Charlie Kennedy 6. Sam Magri 7. Ben Seymour (9. Scott Rendall 63’) 8. Adam Tomasso 11. Charlie Austin (18. Tony Lee 63’) 14. Craig Tanner (16. 12. Luke Hallett 85’) 15. Roddy Collins (4. Mick Carter 76’) 19. Tom Blair (16. Luke Bennett 57’)
Subs not used: None
Goalscorers: Charlie Austin 15’
Cards:
None
None
Ben Jefford 46’, 54’

Match Gallery

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Courtesy of Alex White Photography

Post Match Teamsheet

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Courtesy of Southern Football League

Match Officials

Referee: Daniel Malyon
Assistant Referees: Mark Baxter, Jake Atkinson