STEVE Riley is urging AFC Totton fans to give his young side encouragement as they bid to stay up among the Southern One South & West play-off places.

After a strong start to the season, the young Stags lost their way and went into Tuesday’s derby at Bashley having lost four of their previous five league games – including Saturday’s galling last-gasp 2-1 defeat by ten-man Taunton at the Testwood Stadium.

But they won 4-0 at Bashley Road on Tuesday – goals by Nathaniel Sherborne, Jamie Bulpitt, Craig Feeney and Kyle O’Brien lifting them to fourth spot.

Tomorrow they host 16th-placed Bridgwater who also came good in midweek, inflicting a 4-1 defeat on Wimborne at Cuthbury.

“It wasn’t the best run of matches for us going into the Bashley game but the lads were superb,” said Riley.

“We need to go on a bit of a run now and thrive off Tuesday’s confidence and performance level.

“I want the crowd to get behind us tomorrow.

“I felt for the lads against Taunton, I really did. It was a bit of a smash ‘n’ grab raid by them and we deserved at least a draw.

“These young lads don’t go out deliberately to get beat and they need a bit of encouragement.

“We’re a young side with only three players over 21 and at the moment we’re getting top-level performances and below-par performances and nothing in between.

“We’re a quiet side too and it’s tough for the young lads, but Tuesday has put a smile on everyone’s face.

“We didn’t make individual mistakes and we defended ruthlessly, which was massive for me. We kept a clean sheet and we controlled the game from start to finish.

“This is a strong league, but we’ve got an honest group of players who are still learning.

“When we lose it’s not because the lads aren’t putting the effort in.

“We need to remain positive and get a level of consistency going with back-to-back wins.

“If we go into tomorrow with the same tempo, energy and composure as Tuesday, we’re capable of getting a result against Bridgwater.”

With goalkeeper Steve Mowthorpe ruled out by a one-match suspension, ex-Sholing stopper Matt Renouf stands by for his debut. “Matt’s a big lad and he’s looked very capable in training,” said Riley.