I was always taught to avoid leaving the car in neutral while rolling. In the scenario you described, here's my technique.
Heel-toe to brake while rev-matching for 2nd gear.
Place car in 2nd gear, let clutch out. Engine braking + pedal braking slows you down.
When you see your opening, hit the gas.
Look up Ayrton Senna in car footage if you want to learn some awesome foot work
