WINCHESTER CITY were unable to break down a streetwise Moneyfields side as they marked their return to the Sydenhams Premier Division with a 0- 0 home draw in front of a 170 crowd.

City’s new-look side suffered an early blow when Lloyd Webber – returning hero of the 2004 FA Vase- winning side – was forced off with a broken wrist.

Ex Downton defender Matt Scott replaced him with just over five minutes gone.

That stoppage was followed by another on ten minutes when, after a lecture from the referee following consultation with his linesman, Winchester’s Karl Yelland was booked for some bumping and barging in the box with Money’s dangerman Steve Hutchings.

It was sub Scott who got the first shot away after controlling skipper Chris Mason’s free-kick and then Russell Cook slid the ball past on-rushing keeper Dave Hook and wide.

It then needed a strong hand by Hook’s opposite number Ross Casey to tip over Conor Bailey’s thumping free kick after Adam Tomasso had fouled Hutchings.

Ex-Eastleigh front man Chris Flood showed glimpses of his ability but on one occasion his final ball let him down and then his neat lay-off was wasted by Cook who could only shoot harmlessly across the goal face.

Flood then showed busy feet before drilling a low shot goalwards, but it was easy for Hook to gather.

Winchester went close to opening the score on the stroke of half-time when sub Scott met Liam Green’s free-kick with a firm, downward header. Hook got it off the line with his feet and the ball returned to Scott who lashed the rebound well over.

Half-time: Winchester City 0 Moneyfields 0

Moneys' Dave Birmingham drove an ambitious 40-yard free-kick wide at the start of the second-half after Tomasso had been cautioned for a foul.

Apart from a dangerous low cross by Dan Thompson, Winchester created little of note in the opening 15 minutes of the second-half, prompting manager Graham Kemp to call his ex-Christchurch sharpshooter Ben Osborne off the bench to replace Tom Price.

Five minutes later Scott Sanderson went on for City’s Liam Green.

Moneyfields were nothing if not competitive and Stuart Green was lucky to escape with just a booking for a two-footed lunge on Masong, who thankfully walked away unscathed.

A spell of pressure followed from the Portsmouth visitors, started by Tomasso’s loose clearance.

Stuart Green’s bobbling low shot eventually reached the grateful arms of Casey who then had to be on his guard to collect Bailey’s firm strike.

Winchester broke swiftly to the other end but, having outpaced Jack Lee and cut in from the left, Cook was foiled by Hook at his near post.

Hutchings then tested ex-Totton youngster Casey with a powerful shot on the turn before Flood’s inspired shot was turned over by Hook at the other end as the game opened up.

Casey again stood up to Hutchings before City sub Scott Sanderson was fouled inside the ‘D’ and Flood’s free-kick crashed off the defensive wall.

Danny King defended solidly to snuff out Stuart Green’s threat as he chased Hutchings’ ball over the top.

But Moneys were gaining momentum and there were sighs of relief three minute from time when Hutchings’ free-kick from the corner of the area slithered out of Casey’s grasp and was scrambled behind for a corner.