WINCHESTER CITY 0 BRACKNELL TOWN 0

British Gas Business Southern League Div One S&W

by John Moody

For the optimists the point gained by City on Saturday was a step nearer Southern League safety for the pessimists it was two points lost. The real
plus point of the match, however, was the clean sheet obtained in the 0-0 draw with Bracknell Town, the team's first in the League this season.

The match opened on a positive note with City dominating the first half. Ian Mancey put in early strikes from crosses by Danny Wakefield and Pete
Smith both of which were just off target.

Jamie Musselwhite was unlucky when he converted a cross from Lloyd Webber which hit the post as the Bracknell keeper, James Cortnance, floundered at the near post. Mark Gamble broke through on his own and forced the keeper into a good save and a shot from Sam Cockerill was palmed for a corner as City turned up the pressure.

Mancey and Mark Jones put in goalworthy headers but again the keeper was up to the mark and saved well.

As the half ended City had a scare when David Hook came out and was wrong footed but he recovered well to grasp the ball as it rebounded to him.

Bracknell brought on two substitutes at the start of the second half and settled into a rhythm better than Winchester and for a period the spotlight
fell on the City defence. Dave Goss and Fran Dolan played a steady game and Hook handled well as they withstood the assault. Ben Edwards, was Bracknell?s main danger but too often he was left isolated and the City defenders had time and space to clear.

Tom Vavrecka came on for Cockerill in the 55th minute as Manager Steve Moss tried to pep up the attack and soon after City went close with a header by Goss from a free kick. Webber worked hard in midfield and Wakefield put in several penetrating runs down the flank but the chances went begging.

Smith was withdrawn in the 72nd minute for James Davis and Ian Mancey, not yet back to full fitness, came off in the 78th minute for Chris Flood. It
was Flood who came close to breaking the deadlock with a fine solo run beating three defenders on his way into the box but his shot was well covered and cleared.

Although City were disappointed with the result the Referee?s report was very positive when he said that the Wessex League?s lose was the Southern League?s gain as he thought |Winchester enhanced the reputation of the League with their passing game.

Winchester City: David Hook, Dan Wakefield, Pete Smith, Marrk Jones, David Gos, Fran Dolan, Lloyd Webber, San Cockrell, Ian Mancey, Jaimie Musselwhite, Mark Gamble, Substitutes: Tom Vavrecka (55), Chris Flood (78), James Davis (72), Andy Darnton, Mark Zawadski.