TEN-man AFC Totton rescued a point with a last-minute equaliser against fellow strugglers Wantage Town.

Neil Williams struck the 90th-minute leveller in a 2-2 draw at the Testwood Stadium in Evostik Southern One (S &W).

New signing Marley Ridge headed a 20th-minute equaliser from Ben Cooper’s left-flank cross before Wantage restored their lead in controversial circumstances.

On-loan AFC  Bournemouth teenager Connor York was penalised for a backpass and Mark Francis slammed the visitors’ second through a crowded penalty area in the 37th minute.

Stags defender Jack Vallis was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the second half.

But Wantage were also reduced to ten with ten minutes left, when their manager was also sent off.

Ridge hit the crossbar and sub Nathaniel Sherborne had a penalty shout turned down before Williams’ heroics.

Langdown is still looking for a win after five games as Totton manager but admitted that this felt like one.

“I think we’re feeling a bit better than Wantage with the result,” he said. “It was a great goal and a fantastic time to score.

“That will do us the world of good not to lose to them because nothing I saw will hurt us when we play them again.

“We showed great character. Some may think we should have won but that point will be massive for us.

“Wantage will find it hard to pick themselves up. They’re devastated. It feels like a victory and I’m sure we’d have won if the referee wasn’t so card-friendly.”

As well as the sendings off, eight other players were booked.

“What do you say about the referee?” continued Langdown, on Radio Solent’s Non-League Show.

“His performance wasn’t good enough at this level, there was only one cynical challenge in the whole game.

“It’s a shame because with 11 v 11 we were well in the game but they had two chances and scored them.

“The decision to give the backpass killed us. It’s never a back pass in a million years. Our right back went to clear it with his left foot and it’s spun off in the air.

“He’s not controlled it or passed it, it was a shambles of a decision.

“How anyone can think that was a back pass... it was scandalous. Connor couldn’t do that again if he tried and everyone who saw it agreed.

“The goal gave them a foothold but at least we showed character with ten men.”