Chilton’s rocket earns Brakes a useful point at Totton

A stunning strike from Lee Chilton earned Brakes a point at title-chasing AFC Totton on Saturday to keep them in touch with the play-offs, writes Paul Edwards.

The match did not get off to the best of starts for the visitors, however, as in the second minute the ball was lifted across goal, where Ryan Moss squeezed a header inside the near post.

Leamington composed themselves and went on to compete well in an even first half, though there were few chances for either side.

David Kolodynski was in an excellent position to capitalise on Jacob Blyth’s knock-down, but he was unable to get any purchase on his shot and the ball rolled tamely through to Totton keeper James Bittner.

Moss headed over from a corner for the home side and Alex Taylor fired a free-kick over the bar for Leamington.

But, while there was little to excite, the signs were there that Brakes were right in the contest.

The hosts went close to doubling their advantage early in the second half, Jonathan Davies beating James Mace to a ball down the wing and cutting in to drive a shot across the face of goal.

Mace was in the right place to head another effort away from the goal-line after Nathan Vaughan had failed to claim the ball.

Kolodynski was played through for another one-on-one but had more time than he realised and snatched at his shot. Fortunately, Brakes were not to rue the miss for long as they were soon back on level terms courtesy of a goal of outstanding quality.

Picking up a pass from Blyth on the left, Chilton ran at the Totton defence before unleashing a blistering drive that arrowed beyond the diving keeper and into the far corner. It was no more than Leamington deserved and was a fine way for the winger to open his goalscoring account for the club

Vaughan was forced to punch away a free-kick, but Brakes began to look more threatening.

Ross Bottomley did well to block a shot from Stephan Morley and Totton were in disarray at the back as Jamie Whisken’s fortunate intervention deflected another shot from Chilton through to Bittner.

Blyth was given a tough time all afternoon by the Totton defence but showed great strength and perseverance to hold on to the ball before seeing a shot deflected behind.

Totton substitute Nathan Jack made a nuisance of himself in a late cameo and drove a ball across the box that was well met by goalscorer Moss. However, Vaughan was behind the shot all the way.

Chilton drove another effort just wide following a move instigated by James Husband, but Brakes had to settle for a deserved point.

AFC Totton: James Bittner, Ryan Hill, Ian Richardson, Ross Bottomley, Jamie Whisken, Nathan Campbell, Carl Pettefer, Jonathan Davies (Nathan Jack, 79), Stefan Brown (Nathaniel Sherbourne, 79), Ryan Moss, Michael Gosney. Subs not used: John McKie, Charlie Knight, Mark Osman.

Brakes: Nathan Vaughan, James Mace, Stephan Morley, Neil Barnfield, Jamie Hood, Liam Daly, Alex Taylor (James Husband, 84), Craig Owen, Jacob Blyth, David Kolodynski (Michael Tuohy, 67), Lee Chilton. Subs not used: Asa Charlton, Lee Williams, Lewis Fenney.