A DOMINANT performance by Winchester helped them take a three-goal advantage to Privett Park for the second leg of the Hampshire Senior Cup semi-final.

The reigning FA Vase and Wessex League double winners are now strong favourites to face either Aldershot Town or Basingstoke in the final at Bournemouth's Dean Court.

Both sides started the game nervously after a minute's silence was observed due to the recent death of youth and reserve team player Steve Tribbeck.

After the opening 15 minutes, City stepped up a gear and went close on 22 minutes when Jamie Laidlaw's shot was cleared off the line by James Barfield.

Winchester continued to press but Gosport held firm until the 30th minute when, after an initial shot by Mark Smith was not cleared, Laidlaw hooked City ahead.

As the half came to a close, Gosport had a great chance to level but City keeper Alan Walker-Harris, pictured above, rushed out to block as Ian Dyer closed in on goal.

The second half exploded into action. Within three minutes of the restart Smith, whose pace had been causing Borough problems all evening, fired home a 25-yarder to double City's advantage.

Almost immediately, Gosport were back in the tie.

Walker-Harris was put under pressure from a back pass and sliced the ball into the back of his own net to hand the visitors a lifeline.

Winchester, though, didn't panic and within four minutes Paul Burnett had his shot parried by Gosport keeper Mark Brown on to the bar.

Burnett, however, was more successful three minutes later after a cross by Laidlaw was nodded down by Mark Jones for Burnett to restore his side's two-goal lead.

Gosport's John Cripps and Dyer both tried to break down the Winchester back line with runs into the penalty area, but they came up against a resolute defence and couldn't get a shot in.

In the closing stages, City netted a fourth when Smith set Burnett free to break the offside trap and round Brown to score his second.

The second leg takes place on March 22, while Basingstoke host Aldershot in their first semi next Tuesday. The return at The Recreation Ground is on April 5.