BSB Southern League - South West Division

Winchester City 3 Newport (Isle of Wight) 2

CITYS CHRISTMAS CRACKER

Citys festive match started on a sombre note when a minutes silence was held in memory of Management Committee Member and Club Photographer Dave Walker who sadly died on Christmas Eve.

Facing a potential six-pointer at the wrong end of the table, City made a disastrous start to their game at home against Newport on Boxing Day. A
midfield move broke down and the visitors played the ball to Ashley Wright who netted from close range in the 7th minute.

Citys first chance fell to Ben Wright who was set-up by Sean Thurgood. His shot was well placed but the keeper managed to get his body in the way and fumbled the ball for a corner which was cleared.

At the other end David Hook brought off a good save with his feet as Newport pressed. The visitors certainly had the edge but Thurgood and Lloyd Webber again played well in defense but City were unable to make much progress.

Although Adam Aimable in particular, created several opportunities with well flighted crosses only one more clear chance fell to City in the half when
Wright turned well and shot but the ball went wide of the post.

Newport went two-up in the 42nd minute when Dean Cole netted with an overhead kick.

Ian Mancey came on at the start of the second half replacing Chris Flood, in order to boost the attack and City started on the attack when Jamie Musselwhite headed to Wright whose header was well tipped over the bar by John Simpkins in the Newport goal.

Citys bad luck however seemed to have struck again when Pete Smith was stretchered off in the 65th minute after a heavy tackle, a chipped bone or ligament damage were feared. Stewart Lang substituted. With the team still not making significant headway Wright came off in the 72nd minute for Ross Diaper and within a minute City broke their goal drought. James Davis crossed and the keeper parried, Tom Vavracka following up well
smashed the ball home from close range.

The last quarter of the match belonged to City as they put on a dazzling dispaly of attacking football. The breatkhrough came in the 80th minute.
Muselwhite crossed from the bye-line and a diving header from Mancey tied up the game.

With time running our Thurgood set up Mancey and he guided a gentle header in for the winner in the 89th minute.

City: City: David Hook, Adam Aimable, James Davis, Tom Vavrecka, Sean Thurgood, Chris Flood, Lloyd Webber, Dan Wakefield, Ben Wright, Jamie Musselwhite, Peter Smith, Substitutes: Ross Diaper (72nd), Stewart Lang (65th), Ian Mancey (72nd), Rorry Anderson.