AFC Totton’s phenomenal end to the Calor Southern Premier season ran out of steam last night.

After the heroics of Saturday’s 3-1 win over play-off chasing Poole Town, Steve Riley’s young troops showed signs of fatigue in a 3-0 home defeat by Redditch United.

“We’ve had a really good run and our last ten games have been top-level performances and we’ve competed really well,” admitted the boss, pictured below.

“But tonight was maybe one too far for the boys, which is understandable.

“It wasn’t for want of trying, but we lacked quality and looked a bit lack-lustre. You get nights like that sometimes.”

There was an element of luck to Redditch’s 21st-minute opener with Ashley Sammons’ shot deflecting off defender Rob Flooks and wrong-footing goalkeeper Steve Mowthorpe.

For the second, scored on 74 minutes, the visitors cut the ball out in midfield, broke and crossed for Jamie Molyneux to head home.

Totton responded with their best spell of the game with substitute Ellis White having a header saved, Zac Mouland firing wide and Harrison Gilkes hitting the bar.

“If one of those had gone it, it might have been a grandstand finish,” said Riley.

As it turned out, Redditch had the last word – Sammons grabbing his second on the break.