Magpies grounded again as AFC Totton edge tight encounter at the Snows Stadium

Josh Umerah with the ball after slotting away his penalty at Totton. Photo: MUFC

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AFC Totton 2, Maidenhead United 1

Maidenhead United suffered their third straight league defeat, and their fourth loss in a run of five matches without a win, as they were beaten 2-1 away by AFC Totton last night.

United travelled to the Snows Stadium hoping to bounce back from last week’s disappointing - and undeserved 1-0 loss away at Dorking Wanderers - and also hoping to capitalise on Totton’s 6-3 loss to Macclesfield in the FA Cup first round.

But, while this was again a game of very fine margins, with the Magpies pushing hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, there was no prolonged hangover for the hosts who managed to keep the pressure up on the teams above them. Totton are fourth in the table, seven points behind leaders Hornchurch with a game in hand.

Manager Alan Devonshire was able to recall defender Jordon Ragguette and striker Josh Umerah to his starting line-up for the trip to Totton and their return to the fold will be welcomed by the boss as he looks rally his side out of this rut of poor form.

But the Magpies found themselves behind in the 23rd minute when Joe Oastler followed up his header to tap the ball home on the rebound. The home side just about deserved their lead with Ashley Clarke having sliced over the bar in the ninth minute and having put the ball in the net only for the linesman’s flag to halt his celebrations.

Clarke managed to get in behind again just after the half-hour mark, but he dallied on the opportunity and allowed the Magpies’ defence time to recover and snuff out the danger.

The visitors got themselves back on level terms a couple of minutes later, when Raguette went down under a challenge in the area and the referee pointed to the spot. Fellow returnee, Umerah stepped up cool as you like to slot the Magpies’ level.

United might have gone on to snatch the lead before the interval, as Kai Yearn, Ragguette and Umerah all had efforts on the Totton goal. Liam Dulson came the closest to a second in added on time though when he cut in from the left and forced Matt Hall into a good low save. The ball spilled out from his clutches but there was no one in red able to gobble up the rebound.

United had the better of the opening period of the second half as well, with Dulson and Ragguette sending in some dangerous crosses from the left and Asher Yearwood sitting his marker down in the area after running onto a ball from half-time substitute Remy Clerima. Unfortunately, Totton defenders were able to recover and foil him before he was able to shoot or pick out a teammate in the area.

When Dulson drilled another shot narrowly wide in the 65th minute, it felt like the Magpies were very much on top, but they were caught on the break in the 71st minute when Christie Ward slotted home the hosts’ second goal of the night.

An injury to Totton’s Tyler Cordner robbed the visitors of some momentum as they attempted to get back on level terms and - despite seeing plenty of the ball in the closing stages - the Magpies were unable to create a chance good enough to draw level.

After three straight defeats on the road, the Magpies return to York Road on Saturday and will be hoping for some home comforts in their clash with eighth placed Torquay United.

While their recent run of form has been disappointing, they remain only three points off the National League South play-off places despite being down in 12th place.

Torquay are in action at Farnborough tonight (Wednesday) but have lost their past two in the league to Dorking Wanderers and leaders Hornchurch.