SWINDON Supermarine boss Dave Webb described himself as "over the moon" after his side ended a tough run of results with an industrious 1-0 win over visitors AFC Totton in Southern League West on Tuesday night.

The South Marston side were bright and positive from the outset, with a sparky forward line being rewarded when Connor Thompson headed home on the 27th minute.

The only goal was enough to seal victory despite the Hampshire side attempting to up their tempo late in the second half.

Marine's win at the Webbswood Stadium followed back-to-back defeats in the league and the relief was palpable in the home dugout at the final whistle.

Webb, speaking on the touchline, said: "It was big game for us tonight, we needed to get back to winning ways really and I was pleased with the performance from the lads, they battled really, really well.

"We probably could have got an extra goal but any win was a good win.

"I knew it would be a difficult game and as it turned out it was but I was over the moon to get the win.

"It sets things up nicely for the trophy on Saturday."

Marine have been hit by injuries which have included top scorer Josh Parsons (knee), striker Aaron Woodley (hamstring) and defenders John Else (concussion) and Ash Taylor (foot) being out of action.

But the home side looked assured with Joe Selman, who provided the deep looping cross for the goal, and Thompson providing the rewards for a forward line that repeatedly drove at Totton's rearguard.

With captain Zak Westlake making his return and Parsons due to attend training on Thursday, Webb now has a strong squad from which to pick his starting XI against Hartley Witney in the FA Trophy on Saturday.

He said: "Connor Thompson played in a position I've not played him in before, I thought he was excellent, alongside George [Kellow], he did really, really well, so it gives me plenty of food for thought for the weekend.

"I thought we were excellent all over the pitch.

"We've got some players out injured who are getting back to fitness so it will make the group stronger.

"It's just positives tonight, I'm really, really pleased."

A series of niggles and fouls led to several flashpoints deep in the second half as Marine tried to wind down the clock but the home side kept their composure to see off an attempted Totton fightback.

One skirmish by the dugouts led to play being held up for several minutes as the referee consulted the linesman in a bid to try and identify the culprits.

"Tempers flared a bit towards the end, the ref's lost it a little bit but it happens that's football," Webb said.

"Thankfully there were no sending offs, just a few yellows flying around."

The win takes Marine up to fifth in the league, tied on 20 points with Evesham United immediately above, and allows Webb to focus on Saturday's FA Trophy first round qualifying match at a buoyed Webbswood.