British Gas Business Southern League South and West Division 1

Winchester City 0 Swindon Supermarine 1

On a bitterly cold night City probable played their best match of the season in terms of teamwork but lost to a very good Swindon side who are pushing for a play-off place.

Steve Moss?s team selection was complicated by Sean Thurgood?s work commitment and the defender eventually started on the bench after arriving late with Neil Champion making the starting line-up after an absence.

Swindon started strongly and went ahead in the 12th minute when Luke Gullick netted in off the far post when David Hook was caught out of a position after City failed to clear their penalty area.

Although City were under some pressure they were playing well and denied Swindon any other clear cut chances. It was good to see Mark Jones getting back to fitness and he completed the 90 minutes and the other long-term injury, Pete Smith, played most of the game.

Two chances fell to City, Smith laid on a through ball for Mark Gamble and the Swindon keeper made a good save and Zach Glasspool was well placed but the ball would not come down quick enough for him to get in a shot.

Chris Flood came on at half time for Gamble who had taken a knock as city took control of the game. Glasspool put in a good run but was pulled back as he shot and the keeper saved. Glasspool was always in the thick of things and suffered from several shirt pulls and obstructions without any help from the match officials.

Thurgood came on in the 54th minute for Smith and this released Lloyd Webber for some penetrating runs from one such he had a shot saved. Danny Wakefield and Glasspool also forced the Swindon keeper into difficult saves. As the match progressed Phil Cousins began to show an influence but he too was thwarted by the keeper.

A free kick by Champion created havoc but the Swindon defence cleared and as the ball came back Flood broke free but his cross was also cleared.

Just before full time Thurgood put the ball wide from a free kick and Glasspool had the chance to steal a point but just failed to connect properly.

This Saturday City are at home to promotion hopefuls Paulton Rovers, kick off 3.00p.m.

City: David Hook, Mark Jones, Pete Smith, Josh Thomas, Neil Champion, Danny Wakefield, Lloyd Webber, , Tom Vavrecka, Mark Gamble, 10 Zak Glasspool, Phil Cousins, Substitutes Chris Flood (46), Melvin Rogers, Sean Thurgood (54), Mark Zawadski.