Local rivals continue pre-season build-up with cup encounter

Eastleigh and Winchester City will lock horns on Sunday (August 1st, 3pm) at the Sparshatts Stadium when they compete for the Hampshire Chronicle Cup, writes Ian Henderson.

City will be looking for revenge after Eastleigh took the trophy last season in a two-legged final.

This year, it's a one-off game, with part of the proceeds going to the Lisa Wilson Scholarship Fund, which aids under-privileged youngsters hoping to attain university education.

City may come up against their former skipper Danny Smith, who signed for Eastleigh this week. The 21-year-old is, however, battling with an ankle injury and may miss the chance to appear against his old mates.

He signed on the dotted line for the Isthmian Premier League newcomers in a deal not far short of £10,000 after trials with Aldershot, Farnborough and Exeter City.

Smith, who made 39 appearances for AFC Bournemouth, has been keen to move up the ranks after City failed to win promotion from the Wessex League at the end of last season.

Eastleigh boss Paul Doswell commented: "Danny's move to us came out of the blue after I'd almost given up hope of getting him.

"I was on holiday in Spain last week when he rang me and said he was keen to join us.

"It's a great deal for us - he's a quality player who can play almost anywhere. But he'll be the natural midfield replacement for Danny Woods, who's moved on to Wimborne."

Smith's injury forced him to miss Tuesday night's friendly against his old club, AFC Bournemouth. The strong Cherries outfit won the game at Ten Acres with a late goal from striker Alan Connell.

City, meanwhile, collected a 3-1 win at Hellenic League side Wantage Town on Wednesday night.

They gave a debut to goalkeeper Alex Hards, recently released by Pompey. But he lasted for only 34 minutes before an elbow injury forced him out of the action.

With no recognised keeper on the bench, his father, manager Neil Hards, took over for the remainder of the game.

City's goals came from headers from defenders Dave Goss and Kieron Hall and another from Mark Smith.

Spectators can pay at the gate for Sunday's match at Ten Acres. Admission prices are adults £5; senior citizens £3 and under 16s £1.

Next Thursday (5th) Eastleigh's new 500-seater stand will be officially opened by Saints' chairman Rupert Lowe before the friendly match against what's expected to be a near full-strength Saints side.

Prices are Adults £6, under 16s £3 (no concessions for senior citizens).