AFC Totton were consigned to their first defeat in 13 games as league leaders Chesham United eased to a 2-0 victory at The Meadow.
The Generals raced to an early lead at home and looked hungry to avoid back-to-back league defeats after losing 3-1 to Salisbury.
Jordan EDWARDS’ low drive in the 3rd minute was too precisely placed for Josh Gould to keep out, who got the nod ahead of Lewis Noice and Tommy Read.
AFC Totton opted to play Scott Rendell and Tony Lee up front together, as opposed to the former dropping deep, and struggled to fashion any clear-cut chances despite some cute football in the opposition’s half.
Jimmy Ball would have hoped for more of the same in the second period, but the Stags once again started the half slowly and were punished for it.
Full-back Lewis ROLFE hammered a bouncing ball past Gould in the 18-yard-box to put the Generals two to the good in the 48th minute.
Barring Matty Burrows scraping the crossbar in injury time, Totton failed to create any clear sights on goal and did not force Zaki Oualah into a single save.
Victory for Chesham means they go 14 points clear at the top of the table, whilst Totton remain in fourth, a point above 6th placed Walton and Hersham, who have played three games more.
The Stags return to action on Tuesday evening, where they host Plymouth Parkway at the Snows Stadium.
