Once again City matched another championship favourite, Fleet Town, and apart from two vital decisions going against the home side could have won Saturday’s encounter.
City showed their intent from the kick off with Dave Allen putting in a penetrating run only to mishit his shot which rebounded off the keeper. James Davis picked up the rebound but was caught offside before he could shoot. As City pressed forward Adam George put a long range shot just over the bar.
Fleet came back strongly and put the home defence under pressure. Keeper Andy Baylis came off his line and unfortunately clattered his own centre-half, Matt Bowler, who received lengthy treatment before returning.
Brett Williams sent Allen forward with a crossfield pass but despite good positioning he saw the ball run away from him and the chance was gone.
As the half ended Fleet appeared to have the upper hand and put the ball in the net after some good midfield exchanges but luckily for City the goal was ruled offside. Almost on the whistle Baylis made a good save from Adam Wallace whose powerful shot looked goalbound.
Winchester started the second period strongly with Allen picking out Williams but he miskicked and the ball went well wide. At the other end Fleet hit the sidenetting. Two more chances fell to City, Allen had a header well saved and Luke Hornsley forced the keeper into a diving save.
In the 65th minute Manager Andy Leader brought Matt Czastka on in place of Hornseley in an effort to add something new to the attack and soon after Sam Lockyer sent a curling shot just outside the Fleet post.
With time ticking away an even match erupted into controversy which hinged on two penalty appeals and resulted in the referee flourishing his book with abandon taking five City names and sending Assistant Manager Steve Meledew from the box. In the 75th minute new signing Carl Foster from Salisbury came on in place of Brett Williams and immediately impressed with his play.
James Davis broke the deadlock in the 80th minute with a brilliant flying header from a corner but Fleet were back on terms within five minutes when they were awarded a penalty for handball by James Wilson. The referee missed the incident and his attention was drawn to it by his Assistant. Most people in the ground thought he had signalled for offside. Phil John put the spot kick away.
City came back seeking the winner and thought they had be awarded a penalty in the 89th minute when Czastka was pulled down in the penalty area but the referee booked him for ‘diving’ and they had to settle for a draw.
This Saturday City are at home to Windsor and Eton, kick off 3.00p.m.
City: Andy Baylis, James Wilson, Sam Lockyer, Adam George, Matt Bowler, Scott Gilham, Dave Allen, Brett Williams, Terry Cox, James Davis,
Substitutes: Andy Darnton, Matt Czastak, Carl Foster, Liam Gilbert and Clint Davies.
