IT will come as no surprise to Winchester City boss Neil Hards that tomorrow's FA Vase hosts Bridgwater Town have singled out Liam Green as one of the holders' main strengths.

Since switching to the role of sweeper, the lad who made his name as a left-sided player for Lymington & New Milton, has been a revelation.

While Green played only a late cameo role in last May's 2-0 Vase triumph over AFC Sudbury at St Andrews, going on as an 89th-minute substitute for skipper Danny Smith, the 22-year-old could be pivotal to them defending the trophy.

"All of a sudden Liam's found his starring role," smiled Hards, above. "He reminds me of Bobby Moore - or is that Patrick Moore? I know, he plays like Bobby and looks like Patrick!

"The thing with Liam is that he's so comfortable on the ball. I can't stand it when Simon (goalkeeper Simon Arthur) pumps it up the pitch because it becomes a 50-50 ball. With Liam there, he drops off to get it and we can build from the back. He's probably the best passer at the club."

Unfortunately for Winchester, striker Ian Mancey, one of the linchpins of their 2003/4 glory days, is highly doubtful for tomorrow's last-32 battle at Fairfax Park.

The towering former Basingstoke and Fleet marksman is short on fitness after having an operation to remove a vein from his leg.

Hards explained: "Mance had a poison leg last year and the doctor recommended he had the vein pulled out. He was due to do some light jogging this week, but I'm not sure he's going to be ready.

"It would be a massive asset to have him back. He's such a big-game performer that even having his physical presence on the bench is a boost for the other players."

If Hards had harboured any doubts about his side's ability to defend the Vase after their unconvincing 3-1 win at Thamesmead Town in the last round, they were dispelled in a 5-1 hammering of Wessex title rivals Gosport Borough last weekend.

"If we play like that again, I don't think we'll have too many problems," he said. "Mossy (coach Steve Moss) went to watch Bridgwater at Bideford last Saturday and apparently they're very young and look like a team of university students.

"But any side that's made it this far will fancy their chances of going all the way and we certainly won't be taking it lightly. We met Mossley at this stage last year and they were probably the best side we played."