WINCHESTER City boss Craig Davis was proud of his team’s efforts in Tuesday’s 1-1 Hampshire derby draw at AFC Totton in the Evo-Stik Division One South.
With Saturday’s emotionally-draining FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie at Torquay United still fresh in their minds, the Citizens took a first-half lead at the Testwood Stadium before being pegged back by a 59th-minute volleyed equaliser from ex-Winchester striker Craig Feeney.
City had lost 4-1 at Torquay in one of the biggest games in the club’s history and Davis said: “I think it’s misunderstood how difficult it is to get back to reality after an occasion like that.
“We could have done with a free week really, but we needed to get on with league fixtures and the lads dealt with it well.
“To be able to focus back so quickly was very impressive.
“In the first half we were excellent. We controlled the game and played some superb football and Oli Bailey scored after some intricate play on the edge of the box.
"I was delighted with the way we moved the ball around, with Joe Cook in particular outstanding, I thought.
"We probably should have put the game to bed in the first half. Oli had missed a carbon-copy chance just before his goal and Ty (Mitford) had a free-kick superbly saved.
“But momentum's a funny thing. Second half Totton upped it and got a goal back with a good strike from Feeney. They then pressed for a winner and could have nicked it in the end.
“Our lads had to dig deep to get the point they at least deserved. The defending of Connor (Cocklin) and Josh (Harfield) was absolutely outstanding again.
“In the end I look on it as a very decent point away from home against one of the fancied sides.”
With Danny King breaking down in the warm-up due to a bruised foot, City thrust Jake Rawkins in at short notice in an unfamiliar left-back role.
It was the first game back for Rawkins, a former Totton player, after dislocating his shoulder earlier in the season.
“Jake’s come in and done well in an unfamiliar position. Massive credit to him for that,” said Davis.
The Citizens hope King will be back in the reckoning for Saturday's home league game against Highworth Town (3pm).
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