NEIL Hards has praised his Winchester City wide boys for helping the champions reclaim their place at the top of the Sydenhams Wessex League.

The manager's instructions to feed the flanks early have sharpened the appetite of hungry wing-backs Shaun Dyke and Matt Bicknell.

Right-sided raider Dyke - voted man-of-the-match in May's FA Vase final triumph at Birmingham - is back to his dazzling best.

He hasn't always seen eye to eye with Hards and found himself on the bench at the start of the season, but City have gone from strength to strength since he reclaimed his place in the side.

Hards admitted: "Shaun's fabulous on his day. He can sometimes win games single-handedly, but his mind's got to be right.

"Now he's knuckled down again he's doing fantastic and it doesn't surprise me clubs have taken a look."

Left wing-back Bicknell has been doubling up as team captain and club captain while Lloyd Webber spends time with his wife and new baby.

City fans had feared the departure of Bicknell's good friend Andy Forbes to Eastleigh might unsettle the ex-Reading and Andover lad, but Hards said: "I've spoken to Matty and he's enjoying his football here.

"He gets on with everyone, does a great job as club captain and has respect from all the players, which he gives back. He's a good, committed lad who gives everything he's got and his quality of delivery is top class."

Winchester, who have rattled in 19 goals in their last three league games, go in search of more at Bemerton tomorrow.

Deposed leaders Andover entertain rock-bottom Down-ton in a match that reunites former Bemerton reserve co-managers Brian Le Boutillier and Jeff Softley.

While Boutillier has had an impressive first year in charge of Andover, recently-appointed Softley faces a tough task transforming Downton's season.

Wednesday's disappointing 2-0 home reverse by Portland leaves the Robins without a point from their first nine games, but there were promising debuts from Luke Hatchman - a striker picked up from local football - and ex-Salisbury and Andover midfielder Callum Robertson.

Softley's next target is 22-year-old midfielder Matt Smith from Bemerton.

"If we can get a few more signings in and keep them interested, who knows?" said Softley.

"Tomorrow's game is a difficult one, but Andover are certainly beatable. I'm good friends with their goalkeeper, Colin Hopkins, and speak to him every day. He didn't play the other night against Lymington because of work commitments, but unfortunately he'll play against us!"