THEY say it takes one to know one – and there is no doubt in Andy Forbes’ mind that Warren Bentley is an outstanding striker who should be playing in the National League.

Forbes, a prolific scorer in the Conference South with Eastleigh, has had the pleasure of operating alongside Winchester City’s top gun Bentley in the last three games and he likes what he sees of the 57-goal marksman, writes Wendy Gee.

Having emerged as the 76-hero of Winchester’s FA Vase-winning season of 2003/04, Forbes’ clinical finishing became a mainstay of Eastleigh’s rise to the Conference South and, come New Year’s Day 2009, he had netted an impressive 131 goals in his first 234 Spitfires appearances.

He was described by former Eastleigh boss Ian Baird as a “complete striker” and Forbes, in turn, believes the same applies to Bentley.

“He’s got every attribute to his game,” he said. “He’s got two good feet, his awareness is second to none, his fitness is good and he’s strong.

“He could definitely cause trouble in the Conference (National League) South minimum. I’m very impressed with him.

“He can score with his left or right foot and he’s the sort of player you love to play up front with because he’s got a work ethic as well as skill and that’s great to see.”

Both Luton Town and Notts County watched Bentley earlier this season as word of his goalscoring exploits spread, but it remains to be seen if the 25-year-old will make that step up or if, like Forbes, he will spend years terrorising non-League defences.

“I chatted to Warren before the game last week and he’s in a similar boat to the one I was in at one point,” said Forbes.

“He’s got a career as a PE teacher and he’s a bit like me in that he’s happy playing non-League.”

Meanwhile manager Paul Masters declared Winchester City’s 2-2 midweek draw at title favourites Cinderford Town as “the best we’ve played in a long time.”

Winchester performances had been a little under par of late as they look to push themselves over the finishing line in the Southern One South & West play-off chase.

But City rediscovered some of their old swagger at Cinderford where Masters went with four up front, flanking Bentley and Forbes with Craig Feeney and Taz Roberts.

“We started a bit slack but dominated from then on. We went and had a right good go at them. It’s the best I’ve seen us in a long time,” said the boss.

“Forbesy got through 70 minutes and did very well. His physical presence brings people into game."

City’s slow start cost them an 11th-minute penalty for a foul by Jake Newton who ‘took one for the team’ when Cinderford exposed them on the break.

But after the home side had been reduced to ten men, goals by Feeney and Bentley put City in the ascendancy until, with eight minutes remaining, the referee pointed to the spot again.

Masters got himself dismissed for questioning the decision to penalise Roberts for a push as he defended a long ball to the back post.

Cinderford’s Lee Smith struck for second time from the spot and, on a busy night for the referee, he later sent off a second home player for two bookable offences. "The ref had a poor game all round for both sides," concluded Masters.

With Swindon Supermarine winning 1-0 at Bishops Cleeve, Winchester have slipped a place to fifth, seven points ahead of chasing Evesham with four games to play.

They are next to visit mid-table Bishops Cleeve on Saturday and Masters stressed: “It’s important we get the three points and cement our place in the play-offs because Evesham are on a fantastic run.

“We haven’t lost for five games so I’m happy with the points we’re getting, but it would be nice to put it to bed sooner rather than later.”

Left-back Danny King is doubtful for Saturday after picking up hamstring injury, but Matt Benham may be fit to sit on the bench.