WITH just over 50 per cent of AFC Totton’s league fixtures played, the half-term report from manager Steve Riley is highly favourable.

After powering out of the Southern One South & West starting blocks, results then dropped away and lower mid-table beckoned. But the Stags have started 2015 in emphatic style, banging in 13 goals in successive league wins over Fleet, Didcot and Bashley to motor up to ninth.

“We ended last season on a good run even though we got relegated from the Premier Division and people from the club recently asked me: ‘Have you improved?’ ” said Riley.

“My answer is that I see a lot of improvement in individual players, but you mustn’t forget that last season we had four players with us – Harrison Gilkes, Lewis Lindsay, Luke Roberts and Drew Bridge – who, apart from Drew who’s away at university, are now all playing at Premier level with Poole Town.

“Most of our lads are still young and learning their trade and we’ve done it in fits and starts this season.

“Tomorrow we go to Wimborne who’ve got a few of my ex-Bashley boys like Mark Gamble, James Stokoe and Ian Oliver.

“When I look at their team I see some players who’ve had Southern League experience year on year and have the know-how to win games at this level.

“How many of ours can you say the same about? Not many. “It’s hard work, but analysing things at the turn of the year, I’m very pleased with the season so far and where we are as a football club.”

Riley believes there are two big factors behind Totton’s dramatic upturn in results – the return of crowd favourite Mike Gosney on loan from Gosport Borough and the confidence that clinical finishing brings.

“Before Christmas we had games where we created chances and didn’t score, but since the turn of the year we’ve been clinical,” he said.

“I was pleased with the clean sheet against Bashley last week and, because we’re now putting our chances away, that breeds confidence.

“Sometimes you just need a result or a performance to kick-start you. “Gosney brings quality to the side and the players look up to him. He brings the best out of those around him.

“Our strikers are benefitting because they know that when Gos goes on a run there’s going to be a delivery for them to get on the end of.

“The wins we’ve had are a mixture of Mike coming into the squad and confidence being lifted.

“We’re not going to get carried away, but we’ll try and continue the unbeaten run if possible. We’ve got a full-strength side tomorrow with no injuries.”

Wimborne, currently 11th, have announced that midfield stalwart George Webb is moving on after playing almost 200 games for the Magpies.

The ex-AFC Bournemouth trainee has had his contract cancelled by mutual consent.