NEW Winchester City manager Paul Masters does not need telling about the aura of the FA Vase.

While lifting the trophy at Birmingham in 2004 was the most glittering chapter in the cathedral city club’s history, the 42-year-old has himself savoured the magic of lower non-League’s premier cup competition.

Three years after City’s triumph, Masters was coach of AFC Totton when they reached the first ever final to be held at the new Wembley, losing 3-1 to Truro in front of a record-breaking 36,232 crowd.

Tomorrow it’s back to the nitty-gritty of the first round proper when Sydenhams Premier rivals Horndean come calling at the Denplan City Ground.

“Being involved in Totton’s Vase run was fantastic, a real highlight for me, but it’s a very tough competition to win,” said Masters.

“People say you’re favourites but anything can happen in a one-off game. “I remember going to Ipswich Wanderers with Totton and they were a really good side, but Brunnschy (goalkeeper Iain Brunnschweiler) was outstanding (in a 2-1 win).

“To go a long way in the competition, you need luck, refereeing decisions, everything going for you.

“One bad performance and you’re out, simple as that.”

Masters has made an unbeaten start at City since being handed the reins “completely out of the blue” a week ago following the resignation of co-bosses Tim Cole and Danny Robinson.

Having felt his way in with a comfortable 4-0 League Cup win at Fawley last Saturday, he was pleased with the resilience of his new charges in Tuesday’s gritty 1-1 league draw at title rivals Follands.

“Follands are a well structured side. They may not be 100 per cent pretty – and that’s not a criticism – but they know what you need to win.

“We should have been leading at half-time, but they bombarded us for a spell in the second half, but we stuck with it and had a right go and that impressed me,” he said.

Former Saints reserves midfielder Masters knows Winchester are a demanding team to work for having had a spell as assistant boss under Neil Hards last term.

“I know the expectations of Dave (Malone, director of football) and the club and I’m going in with eyes wide open,” he said.

“I didn’t want to think that two years down the line I’d regret not taking the job.”

Although Masters already knows several players from last season, a fair percentage of the side followed Cole and Robinson across from Alresford.

“I spoke to the lads and tried to be as honest as I could and the feedback I’ve had is that they’re committed to the club and that’s all I can ask for,” said Masters.

With City announcing two new signings this week, one or two departures are inevitable, however.

Experienced former AFC Totton and Gosport goalkeeper Gareth Barfoot has arrived from Blackfield & Langley, while defender Scott Sampson from Newport IoW replaces the recently departed Leigh Mills. Both are eligible for the Vase.

Charlie Smeeton faces a possible three weeks out with a twisted ankle, Ben Stanbrook was stretchered off at Follands after landing awkwardly on his back and Adam Tomasso picked up a knock.