PLAYER/MANAGER Stuart Ritchie led from the front as AFC Totton's excellent form in cup competitions this season continued on Saturday with a battling 1-0 win at Raynes Park Vale.

Five minutes after clambering off the substitutes' bench, free-kick specialist Ritchie curled a superb 25-yarder over the Combined Counties team's defensive wall for a 75th-minute match-winner.

"It's a fantastic win," purred Totton assistant Sean New. "We weren't so good in the first half, but we were a lot better after the break and Stuart's 'Beckham-style' free kick clinched it for us."

Totton were the only Sydenhams Wessex League Division 1 side in first qualifying round action but, elsewhere, Division 2 outfit Petersfield Town bridged the gap to Sussex Division 1 by holding East Grinstead Town to a goalless draw after extra time at Love Lane.

"A draw was the right result on the day," admitted Petersfield secretary Mark Nicoll. "It's pleasing that we didn't look out of place against a side from a division above us but, on the down side, we now have to get a team up to East Grinstead tomorrow night."

Petersfield's Division 2 rivals Whitchurch United bowed out 2-1 at home to Sidlesham. Chris Iddles gave the north Hampshire outfit an interval lead but the Sussex side hit back twice after the break.