AFC TOTTON 2

Kasimu 45+2, Taylor 86

DORCHESTER TOWN 0

GLENN Howes’ first game in charge of Dorchester ended in a 2-0 defeat as AFC Totton advanced to the FA Trophy first round at Snows Stadium.

Dorchester dominated the first half and, but for a brilliant display by keeper Amadeusz Skrzyniarz, would have led.

Flavio Tavares was denied in the clearest opportunity, Skrzyniarz excelling to push clear the winger’s shot in a one-on-one.

Totton punished the Magpies for a profligate first half – a theme of the visitors’ season – taking the lead on the stroke of half-time as Hisham Kasimu rounded keeper Harry Lee to score.

Totton enjoyed the better of the second half but although Dorchester improved, a fine strike from young Ethan Taylor deceived Lee as the Magpies exited the last cup competition available to them this season.

READ MORE: AFC Totton 2-0 Dorchester Town - how it happened

Although the result was not the ideal homecoming Howes intended – he had left Totton to join Dorchester five days previous – there were plenty of positives.

While on paper Dorchester play one league above the Stags, Howes’ old club sit top in the tier below.

It therefore underlined just how good the Magpies’ start to the game was, the visitors creating chances almost at will.

Kieran Roberts, earning his first start for the Magpies, worked the first opportunity all on his own, a clever trick allowing him to lose his man and fire across Skrzyniarz’s goal.

Roberts sent a free-kick into the wall before Tavares had the game’s best opening to date.

The winger, who has looked a lively addition to the Dorchester squad, sprinted clear.

With just Skrzyniarz to beat, he was denied by a fabulous save from the Totton custodian in the 19th minute.

Alfie Stanley went close with a header soon afterwards before an ambitious half-volley from Taylor briefly had Lee worried before sailing over.

Tavares was denied in his second showdown with Skrzyniarz on the half-hour mark, the keeper again keeping his cool to keep the winger at bay.

Having conceded so many chances, Totton finally settled as Kasimu shot wide and Taylor tried his luck from 35 yards.

And the head of steam proved too much for Dorchester as Kasimu raced onto a through ball before showing his composure to round Lee and tap home in the second minute of added time.

Totton came out with more intensity in the second half as former Weymouth defender Harry Medway headed at Lee and another ex-Terra, Jordan Ngalo, shot wide from distance.

Lee was worked by another smart piece of play from Kasimu and Lee was grateful to collect a loose ball after pinball in the area during the 60th minute.

The inventive Taylor tried to catch Lee off guard by shaping to cross a free-kick before lashing just over.

When Dorchester got themselves into the half their possession game shone through, although they conjured a paucity of opportunities compared to their first-half display.

Instead it was Totton who looked likelier to score on the counter as sub Jordan Ragguette went close and Kasimu again stung the palms of Lee after beating two Magpies.

Bright spark Taylor got the goal his performance deserved when he fizzed a left-footed shot inside the near post with Lee unable to react in time.

Totton effectively ran the clock down into a 96th minute and nearly bagged a third courtesy of Taylor, whose 18-yard effort was caught by Lee.

However, Totton’s greater clinical edge proved the difference in taking the £2,450 prize money on offer, plus a place in Monday’s first-round draw as Dorchester paid for their missed chances.

Totton: Skrzyniarz, Baughan, Jefford, Read (Waterfield 79), Medway, Zubar, Hoey, Ngalo, Kasimu (Williams 88), Taylor, Griffin (Ragguette 76). Sub not used: Olumuyiwa.

Magpies: Lee, Hanger, Sa, Soares (Papakonstantinou 78), Caze da Silva, Madden (Calverley 46), Tavares, Purrington, Stanley, Roberts, Lowes (Doyle 88). Subs not used: Symes, Callow, Heaton.

Attendance: 379