PAUL McCarthy paid homage to Winchester City team boss James Taylor after Saturday’s long-awaited 2-1 win at Abingdon United.

After a bleak run of eight straight Evo-Stik South & West defeats, City’s young guns finally turned the tide thanks to goals from Liam Robinson and Adam Beckett.

As a player, former Havant & Waterlooville and Bashley hitman Taylor is something of a local non-League legend.

Now, as a rookie boss, he is coping well with the toughest of tasks at Winchester where just a couple of players remain from the side that romped to the Sydenhams Premier title last term.

“James has done ever so well with virtually a whole new team,” said McCarthy.

“Since he came in, the squad’s been torn apart. There was only one player, Andrew White, who started on Saturday who was with us last season.

“James is a very well respected man in this area with great connections.

“Things can easily change in football, but I think – and hope – we will be together for a long time to come.

“James is very straightforward and calm, whereas I’m just the opposite, like a big, excitable kid!”

 

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