Sholing suffer a narrow defeat in their first outing of pre season as Hampshire rivals AFC Totton ran out 1-0 winners.

A Malachi Linton goal shortly before the interval proved the difference in a tight affair on a sunny evening in East Southampton.

The Stags hit the ground running and had an early chance through Christie Ward, but his curling effort was comfortably held by Sholing new boy Craig King.

Totton kept up their early pressure and had another chance to go in front shortly after, but Tony Lee’s free kick was well blocked by Harry Taylor.

The Stags pressure eventually paid dividends shortly before half time, with Malachi Linton finishing smartly from the angle.

The second half began in similar fashion to the first amidst a flurry of changes from both sides, with the visitors continuing to flurry forward in search of their second of the evening.

Paul Doswell’s men did grow into their game as the substitutes aiming to make their mark on proceedings, with Billie Busari’s tenacity causing the Stags backline all manner of problems.

Totton weren’t to be deterred and almost doubled their advantage twenty minutes from time, but new boy Dan Jones was there to hook the ball away from goal with Charlie Searle beaten.

Sholing came mighty close to a leveller five minutes later, with a trialist firing the ball against the post from close range. The trialist clearly had the bit between his teeth as he came close again moments later.

Another chance soon followed through another fresh face in Gianni Crichlow, but his fizzing effort sailed just past the post.

It wasn’t to be for the Boatmen as it finished in a narrow victory to their National League South opponents.

Attention now turns to Saturday with the visit of AFC Portchester to the Mortgage Decisions Stadium as the pre season schedule intensifies.

Kick off 3pm.

#uptheboatmen #prideofeastsouthampton

 Harry Adams – Match Reporter, Sholing FC