AFC Totton’s deepening crisis continued as they suffered a seventh defeat in eight games, losing 2-1 to Folkestone Invicta at Cheriton Road on Saturday despite a spirited second-half fightback.

The Stags were left frustrated by a disputed opening goal and a costly defensive lapse as Folkestone secured their first league victory since the end of August.

Assistant manager Louis Langdown felt the visitors had been unfortunate to trail at the break but admitted they were also responsible for allowing the second goal.

“When you look at it, no disrespect to Folkestone, but if you were watching the game, you’re probably thinking that we’re going to come away as the victors,” he said.

“The first goal… I think every man here is saying that it didn’t go over the line, so it’s a difficult one for us to take. However, we’ve got to stop the second one, so we’re disappointed with that.”

AFC Totton had chances to take control before the hosts struck twice in quick succession late in the first half.

Ryan Gosney produced a good save to deny Harvey Kedwell before the deadlock was broken in the 39th minute.

Reggie Young won possession on the left of the penalty area and sent a cross into the box. A deflection took the ball towards Donell Thomas, who drilled an effort goalwards. Despite the protests over whether the ball had crossed the line, the referee awarded the goal.

Three minutes later, Bobby Kelman doubled Folkestone’s advantage, finding space on the edge of the area before unleashing a powerful effort that beat Gosney at his near post.

Totton needed a response after the interval and almost found a route back into the contest when Declan Rose’s effort from the edge of the area took a wicked deflection and struck the post in the 58th minute with the keeper well beaten.

The visitors continued to push and were rewarded in the 74th minute. Harry Mills capitalised on a poor touch from Ben Mason before squaring for Will Fletcher, who finished to score his first AFC Totton goal.

The Stags pressed for an equaliser, and Luke Hallett appeared to have bundled the ball home after Jamie Fielding went to ground. However, the referee awarded Folkestone a free-kick, denying Totton a late leveller.

Langdown praised his side’s response but was left disappointed by the outcome.

“At 2-0 down, we’ve got to come out, and we’ve got to fight, and we’ve got to scrap, and I think the lads did that,” he said.

“Will got the goal after a good cross, and we’re back in it – then we hit the post as the keeper’s rooted to the spot, but it just wouldn’t go in for us.

“I’m gutted, as I feel like we did enough in the second half to get a positive result.”

AFC Totton must now look to halt their slide when they travel to Hemel Hempstead Town on Saturday, for a 3pm kick-off at the Focus Community Arena.