A SAVED penalty with two minutes remaining denied Highworth Town any points against AFC Totton in Southern League Division One on Wednesday night.

Ross Adams called for an improvement in his strikers’ efficiency in the final third ahead of kick-off.

But the Worthians co-boss could only watch his squad fall to a 1-2 defeat at the Save on Tyres Stadium as lowly Totton continued their rather inspired form captured since the turn of the year.

Defeat means Highworth now have only 31 points from 26 games – Totton are three points further behind.

Worthians started the game in bright fashion, carving out a couple of chances in the opening half-an-hour – though none found the back of the net.

Totton’s striker smashed a one-on-one effort over the crossbar on the half-hour mark as the opening half ended goalless.

The game’s drama was then condensed into the concluding 35 minutes. Totton scored with 54 minutes on the clock with their lead was doubled some 19 minutes later.

Requiring a minor miracle to earn any points, Highworth halved their deficit with 77 minutes played when Ashley Edenborough nodded home at the near post.

Calls for Totton’s ‘keeper to be sent off were waved away in the dying seconds after he committed a foul inside the penalty area – a penalty was awarded, though.

But the spot kick was saved, and Highworth consequently lost out on points.