WINCHESTER City have a chance to steal a march on their rivals when they kick off their league season with an away game at BAT tonight (Friday 13th).

BAT's Southern Gardens base is shared with the cricket club, who will be using the ground on Saturdays until the end of August.

"Pre-season has gone really well," said manager Neil Hards, "so we'll set our stall out on Friday night and see if we can pick up the three points.

"One good thing about it is that it gives me a chance to go fishing on Saturday!"

City may have lost two of their biggest names in Andy Forbes and Danny Smith, both of whom will be plying their trade in the Isthmian League with Eastleigh this term, but should still be strong enough to finish there or thereabouts at the top of the Wessex pile.

Hards won't be finalising his team selection until the day, but with two of his strikers struggling - Stuart Cannie and Jamie Musselwhite have both been suffering from illness - it's likely that Jamie Laidlaw will get the nod to play alongside big target-man Ian Mancey up front. Midfielder Toby Redwood is doubtful with an ankle niggle.

City completed their pre-season programme with a highly creditable 3-1 win over Conference 2 South side Weymouth on Monday night. Mancey, Laidlaw and Lloyd Webber were on target for City, for whom Adam Rogers impressed on the wing.

City's first home league game, against Downton, is on Tuesday night, with old rivals VT to follow on Saturday.