Millers Grind Down Leaders - Totton And Eling vs. Amesbury Town

Keeper taking on the wind

After seeing earlier this season that Totton and Eling were producing printed programmes I wanted to make sure I visited before May. I'd also been through Totton numerous times on my to other grounds and was good to stop off. The two Totton clubs play next door to each other but today I was watching Totton and Eling who were hosting Amesbury Town who were top of the league while today's hosts were bottom. Amesbury is a pretty ground to visit and they do brilliant cakes in the clubhouse at half time. The only time I'd seen Totton and Eling play was the previous pre season when they played at Fordingbridge Turks when they won comprehensively. Amesbury won the reverse fixture four nil in November so Totton and Eling were hoping for better outcome this time round.

Kick off with the AFC Totton main in the background

There is a very strong wind from kick off blowing across the pitch which makes playing conditions tricky but this doesn't stop Totton and Eling from making a good start. Firstly they get in behind with the ball across just eluding everyone before the wind almost assists the hosts which the visitors just deal with. Amesbury then begin to dominate and they take the lead mid way through the half as a low bobbling shot from distance beats the keeper. Then when a Amesbury attacker gets a close range shot in following a corner the Totton and Eling keeper is forced to make a great save. In the closing stages of the half, the Totton and Eling defence are just able to clear after a scramble in the box.

Totton and Eling just manage to keep this effort out

Amesbury force the Totton and Eling keeper to make another decent save early in the second half before the home side begin their best period of the game which culminates in them claiming a deserved equaliser. The Totton and Eling forward breaks down the flank and his ball across the six yard box is smashed in from close range to level the game. The best chance either side to win the game comes when thunderous Amesbury shot hits the bar with the keeper alert to save the rebound. A well earned point for Totton and Eling.

Wondering where the wind has taken the ball

Assuming the trains aren't running at half speed because it's a bit breezy, the quick route - train from Waterloo to Southampton and getting the slower train from there - should take an hour and a half. There are direct trains but these take significantly longer. The best part of Totton is down by the mill, my train delays meant I couldn't go round it but it is a nice setting. Next to the mill is The Anchor which had some local ales and the garden would be great in the summer. A bit closer to the town is The Peg and Parrot which had a good choice of lager and had the sports channels. The walk to Little Testwood is about two miles but the number 12 goes from just by the station to a short distance to the ground. There is no bar at the ground so if you want a drink closer to the ground then The Testwood next to the bus stop is the best bet. The food at the ground was decent and thankfully they still did printed programmes!

Dugout side of the ground with the trees being blown about