FA Challenge Vase - Round 3: Thamesmead Town 1, Winchester City 3

WINCHESTER City continued their successful defence of the Vase, coming from behind to win against Kent League opponents last Saturday.

But it needed a stoppage time goal from Ian Mancey to ensure their place in the last 32 of the competition. Their reward is yet another away tie against Bridgwater on January 22nd. Incredibly, it'll be their 13th away trip in 18 Vase matches over the past two seasons.

Manager Neil Hards commented: "We're used to having to travel in cup competititons and we know it'll be a tough game against a good side.

"They're going well in the Screwfix Western League and we'll have a look at them before we play there."

Thamesmead dominated the opening stages last Saturday and City were penned in their own half for long periods.

The home team deservedly went ahead on 36 minutes when Dean Burns' shot struck the foot of the post and rolled along the goalline and in, despite the despairing attempts of keeper Simon Arthur.

City kept trying to play passing football on an uneven surface and created several chances before half time. Ian Buckman came closest to an equaliser when hise shot from the edge of the box was pushed onto the bar and over by the home keeper..

Thamesmead squandered a good chance to increase their lead six minutes into the second period when Thomas headed wildly over from close range. It was a miss they were soon to regret as City drew level drew level after 56 minutes.

Toby Redwood created the opportunity, storming through three challenges before the ball fell for Mancey to strike a low drive from thirty yards beyond goalkeeper Moore.

The equaliser boosted the visitors, who gradually took control of the game. A second goal arrived on 69 minutes when Shaun Dyke's corner was met by a diving header at the near post by Mark Blake, who sent the ball soaring into the roof of the net.

Arthur was forced to produce a good stop from Thomas but it always looked likely that City would have the final word. Webber broke clear in the final minute only to shoot wide, but in the third minute of stoppage time, Dyke's run ended with Jamie Laidlaw placing a shot beyond Moore from the edge of the six yard box.

City: Arthur, Dyke, Bicknell (Brewster 90), Jones, Redwood, Blake, Webber, Buckman, Mancey (Musselwhite 70), Laidlaw, L Green (Smith 65) Unused subs: A Hards, Goss.

Moneyfields Sports 1, City 5

City progressed to the quarter-finals of the Wessex League Cup on Tuesday night with a convincing win at Moneyfields.

The game had been switched from the City Ground as the showers there are still out of action.

Ian Mancey gave City the lead and Dave Neill duly equalised before Mark Jones restored the visitors'advantage.

But Moneyfields then had Nicky Wyatt sent off for a second bookable offence and City ran in further goals from substitute Liam Green (2) and Jamie Musselwhite.

City, the cup holders, will meet either Thatcham Town or Christchurch in the quarter finals.

Tomorrow (Sat 18th) City are away to VT FC in a Sydenhams Wessex League match (3pm).

Club seeking new secretary

City are looking for a new club secretary with the impending departure of the popular Ray Murphy for another role.

Applications should go to Ray, c/o Winchester City FC, Hillier Way, Abbotts Barton, Winchester SO23 7SR; by email to: raymurphy@ntlworld.com or via the club's website: www.winchestercityfc.com

It's hoped to make an early appointment so that Ray will be able to offer any guidance if required until the end of the current season.