FOOTBALL: Sydenhams Wessex League

Winchester City 1, Wimborne Tn 2

WINCHESTER City's 36-match unbeaten home run, which stretched back eighteen months, came to an end on Tuesday when two late goals condemned them to defeat by their visitors from Dorset.

It was City's first defeat at Abbotts Barton since March 2002, when they went down to Poole Town. But they remain league leaders, three points ahead of Gosport, who have two matches in hand.

Despite fielding a side decimated by injuries and suspensions, City dominated the match. But the absence of strike pair Ian Mancey and Andy Forbes (ankle injury) proved crucial as chances came and went without being taken.

In the end, Wimborne were cock-a-hoop after snatching the points, while City were left to reflect on the lack of real depth in their squad.

With new signing Steve Watt still on holiday, veteran midfielder Gary Green was partnered up front by newcomer James Knott. The 21 year old former BAT striker was making his first senior start and though both worked hard, with Green holding the ball well, there was no cutting edge.

They did take the lead after 32 minutes when Matt Bicknell's cross was headed back across goal by Green for Mike Dean to steal in and plant a firm header past goalkeeper Stewart Kearn.

City's pressure increased after the break but both Green and Dean somehow failed to score from close range in the space of a few seconds. When Green was unable to convert a good cross from Shaun Dyke after 72 minutes, anxiety began to grow among the home supporters.

Kevin Brewster replaced the limping Dyke soon after as Wimborne raised their game and, with 12 minutes to go, skipper Danny Smith was adjudged by a linesman to have pulled back a Wimborne opponent inside the penalty area.

Darren Powell gratefully slotted the spot kick past keeper Darren Crowfoot to level the scores.

Worse was to follow five minutes later when a fine through ball enabled Mark Smith to shake off the challenge of Mark Blake and fire home the winner.

Team: Crowfoot, Dyke (Brewster 76), Bicknell, D Smith, Goss, Blake, Webber, G Green, L Green, Knott, Dean. Unused subs: Batchelor, Lilley.

Six goals at Salisbury

Bemerton Heath Harlequins 3, Winchester City 6

City ran in six goals at Bemerton last Saturday in a highly entertaining match against a side which contained no fewer than seven of their former players.

The pick of those assembled by ex City manager Mark Smith was striker Stuart Findlay, who fired a hat trick against his old colleagues.

The scores were level at 3-3 with just 10 minutes to go, but then goals from Andy Forbes (his 15th of the season), Matt Bicknell and Danny Smith earned City the points.

Earlier, Forbes had put the visitors in front after 20 minutes before Findlay equalised soon after with a fine individual effort. Smith restored City's lead only for Findlay to level from the penalty spot after Bicknell had brought down Nathan Renyard.

Dean gave City the lead for the third time three minutes into the second half, but the lively Findlay netted once more to complete his hat trick and equalise for the third time.

Then came the visitors' grandstand finish.

City: Crowfoot, Goss, Bicknell, D Smith, Hall (Batchelor 20), Blake, Webber, G Green, L Green, Forbes (Lilley 81), Dean. Unused sub: C Smith

Defeat for Reserves

City Reserves 0, Bashley Reserves 3

A very young and inexperienced Reserves' side was outplayed by its Bashley counterpart at the City Ground last Saturday.

City created only one good chance, which Craig Stimson missed when the game was still goalless. Losing Nicky Kemp to injury meant that Kevin Brewster provided the only experience in midfield.

He came through his first game of the season without mishap and was on the bench for the first team on Tuesday night.

Back to FA Cup duty

City return to FA Cup action tomorrow (Sat 13th) when they travel to Imber Court to meet the Metropolitan Police in the First Qualifying Round (3pm).

The visitors are hoping to have striker Andy Forbes back in their line-up against the policemen, who are struggling at the foot of Rymans League Division 1.

Seats available on coach

The Supporters Club are running a coach to the match and anyone interested in travelling on it should contact Terry Bone on 01962 624130.

Should a replay be necessary, it'll be at the City Ground next Tuesday (16th) at 7.45pm.