Five goal City limber up for yet another away Cup encounter

Winchester City 5, BAT Sports 2

WINCHESTER City warmed up in style for FA Cup duty this weekend with a hard fought win over doughty opponents at the Denplan City Ground on Tuesday night.

It was never easy against the division's bottom club, who'll surely climb the table if they can reproduce the fighting spirit shown in the first half in particular.

As it was, the result moved City up to second place and was a timely boost ahead of tomorrow's (27th) Cup trip to Chippenham.

Andy Forbes scored a couple to take his season's tally to a startling 18 and midfielder Lloyd Webber also grabbed a brace in the second half.

But it was the visitors who took a shock lead after just 13 minutes when a speculative 35 yard volley from Dave Roberts flew over the stranded Darren Crowfoot into the top far corner.

City were level within a minute when Forbes crept in to sidefoot home a Matt Bicknell free kick. And the top scorer was on target from the penalty spot 12 minutes later after he'd been pulled back in the area.

James Rogers, back after suspension, was a lively partner for Forbes and both came close to adding a third goal. But a defensive slip allowed Richard Gregory to level things at 2-2 from close range shortly before half time.

Skipper Danny Smith set up the impressive Shaun Dyke to rifle home from 20 yards to restore the lead after 58 minutes and then Webber scored the two best goals of the match to settle the issue.

First, he cracked home a shot from 20 yards, and then played a delightful one-two with Bicknell to waltz through a mesmerised defence and complete the scoring.

Team: Crowfoot, Dyke, Bicknell, Smith, Goss, Blake (Lang, 76), Webber, L Green, Rogers, Forbes (Knott, 84), Dean. Unused sub: Brewster.

Cup trip to Wiltshire

Tomorrow City play their ninth successive cup tie away from home when they meet Dr Martens League Premier Division outfit Chippenham Town in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

The struggling Wiltshire side have won only once in eleven games this season, but will be keen to gain a first home win at City's expense.

Manager Neil Hards says his team won't be underestimating Chippenham, but added: "It's a good time to be going there and if we play to our potential we're in with a good chance."

Should a replay be necessary, it'll be at Abbotts Barton next Tuesday (30th).

New signings

City have boosted their squad this week by signing two central defenders.

James Laisher (24) has joined them from Rymans Division 1 side Molesey, while one-time Saints trainee Steve Orsborn is looking to rebuild his career after almost a year out through injury.

The 25 year old was with Basingstoke Town last season.

Neither were signed in time to be available for tomorrow's game.

City intend to use skipper Danny Smith, who's been filling in at the back in style, in his favoured midfield role.