The clocks went back last night so although scheduled for a 10.00 kick off at least we all got an extra hour in bed! With a strong wind blowing directly down the pitch and heavy rain forcast to hit before half time, today's game was going to be a very different match to that of 7 days ago.
Eastleigh Rangers were well up for the challenge and went on the offensive straight from the kick off forcing Winchester back in to a 4-5-1 formation which only put more pressure on the defence and it wasn't long before Eastleigh took the lead when the centre forward ran on to a through ball and slotted calmly under Webby.
Time for a change Ben F and Steve on for Josh and Ace and very clear instructions from the management to get back to playing 4-3-3 and playing football in the Eastlleigh half of the pitch! Slowly Winchester started to stamp their control on the game raining in long shots on goal and looking dangerous from every corner but despite all the hard work Winchester still went in at half time 1-0 down.
2 more changes at half time saw Matt and Ty on for Ben F (injured) and Jamie. Winchester were now all over Eastleigh but despite all the possession, territory and pressure could not find an equaliser. Eastleigh were getting more and more desperate and having to resort to any means to keep in the game. A number of vicious tackles on Steve, Jamie, David and Danny K culminated in a particularly synical and violent tackle on Zak that finally saw the ref bring out his yellow card (although a straight red would have been more appropriate). Winchester now had 4 players injured and unable to take any further part in the game!
With time running out, Winchester dug deep and the squads character started to shine through. David now playing on the left made a fantastic run down the wing and cut the ball back to the back of the box where Danny L was waiting to smash in a thunderbolt that the keeper had no chance of stopping. Finally it was 1-1 and that's how it stayed till the full time whistle.
Extra time started with the rain lashing into the faces of the Eastleigh defence and Winchester soon took advantage when Karl rose high at the far post to power in a header for his first goal of the season, to make it 2-1. Fitness was now starting to have an effect with Winchester the stronger and in the second half of extra time they put the game beyond doubt when David and Danny L combined in a repeat of the move that lead to the first goal but this time Danny's shot was parried and Jamie following in clipped the ball into the net for 3-1.
Next match against AFC Stoneham in the league.
