AFC Totton ended a run of six straight league defeats with an impressive win at Hemel Hempstead on Saturday.

The victory moved The Stags out of the National League South relegation zone and up to 19th spot in the table.

Despite the wet and windy weather, the 3G surface at Hemel’s Vauxhall Road ground meant there was never any doubt over the game.

Scott Rendell’s men got off to the perfect start. Tony Lee had already seen an effort ruled out for offside when Josh Sims collected Charlie Betts’ through ball and rounded keeper Michael Johnson before slotting into an empty net.

The lead only lasted for nine minutes, however. Tyler Cordner, booked early on for dissent, was penalised for a foul on Marshall Francis and he stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick.

However, AFC Totton restored their advantage on 24 minutes when Lee took advantage of a mistake by Christian Chigozie and finished beyond Johnson for his second of the afternoon.

Totton were defending well, none more so than Luke Hallett, who was on hand to clear off the line with 20 minutes left after Francis’ shot beat keeper Ryan Gosney.

Chigozie and substitute George Williams both went close for the hosts but Totton extended their advantage at the other end on 80 minutes.

A one-two between Ollie Godziemski and Will Fletcher saw the former finish beyond Johnson for his first Totton goal to make it 3-1.

It provided a much-needed win for the Stags ahead of their home game with Torquay on Tuesday night.