DEFENDING champions Winchester City have arguably the most talented collection of players in the Sydenhams Wessex League.

But manager Neil Hards has warned his treble-winning thoroughbreds that if they don't produce the hard work to match their skill tonight, they could find themselves on the end of another shock scoreline in the Division 1 curtain-raiser at BAT (7.45).

Back in February, Winchester were cruising towards an FA Vase/SWL/League Cup treble when they came unstuck 2-1 against the tenacious Tobacco-men at Southern Gardens.

It came just a week after party-poopers BAT had knocked ambitious Eastleigh out of the Russell Cotes Cup.

The Tobaccomen are built in the image of their industrious, down-to-earth manager Andy Leader and Hards is not surprised by their ability to pull off surprises.

He said: "I like Andy a lot. His teams play like he did when he was a player.

"He gets his players to work hard and that's why they beat us last season. We had a lot of possession and their keeper kept them in the game at times, but they kept plugging away and deserved the result.

"We got slapped round the face with a wet fish that night and we've got to make sure it doesn't happen again.

"But it won't be easy. After all we achieved last season, everyone will be out to beat us and we'll come unstuck if our attitude is not up to scratch."

On the evidence of pre-season, City remain a force to be reckoned with despite the double loss of skipper Danny Smith and 76- goal marksman Andy Forbes to Eastleigh.

New team captain Lloyd Web-ber scored a cracker in Monday's 3-1 slaying of Weymouth and 20-year-old utility man Adam Rogers was again outstanding.

"It's the best I've seen us play in a long, long time," said director of football David Malone, who recently brushed off Lymington & New Milton's inquiry for Rogers.

He said: "Adam is becoming an accomplished player and fully deserves his opportunities. I am sure he will get plenty of them this season."

Wimborne capture Mark Smith is looking a strong replacement for his namesake Danny while, in defence, City have completed the signing of Mark Jones from Bashley.

Despite the comings and goings, Hards says team spirit is as strong as ever. The players enjoyed a round of golf at Meon Valley last Saturday and the manager reported: "We've had 23 or 24 players turn up for every training session and there's going to be plenty of competition for places.

"With a squad that size, the players must understand that not everyone will be involved at BAT tonight, but they're all part of the bigger picture.

"We need strength in depth and I'd ask the players to be patient and wait for their opportunity.

"We won a lot last season but no one's running away with the idea that we're the best thing since sliced bread. There's always some-one going to knock you down!

"Teams are going to fight and scrap against us but they won't sustain it for a full 90 minutes.

"They're going to blow after a while and that's where we can benefit from having a strong, fit squad."