AFC TOTTON’S hopes of reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup were dashed as Ramsgate edged a 1-0 victory at Snows Stadium, writes Olly Howard.

The Rams and Stags locked horns in the first half with both sides offering little in attack, before the away team were awarded a penalty in the 28th minute.

Luke Hallett fouled Jordan Green on the left side of the box, giving Joe Taylor a golden opportunity to break the deadlock.

But last season’s Isthmian Premier Division golden boot winner failed to capitalise; a tame effort well-saved by Lewis Noice down to his right.

Goalkeeper Tom Hadler’s long kick bounced into the path of Taylor, who made amends for his penalty miss by lobbing the ball over Noice.

AFC Totton probed in the final moments as Matty Burrows glanced a free header wide and Scott Rendell struck the crossbar in stoppage time.

Ramsgate managed to grind out the victory and progress into the first round, while AFC Totton divert their attention to league action. Jimmy Ball’s side travel to Sholing on Tuesday.