Without five regulars and with Adam george carrying an injury, City nevertheless could have won this scrappy game, largely spoilt by the weather. Manager Andy Leader gave a start to new signing James O’Keeffe. With the strong wind and rain at their backs City had the best of the attacking play in the first half but failed to take advantage and paid for this at the end.
City started well with Adam George having a long-range shot well saved and Luke Hornsley putting two chances just wide, the second from a pinpoint cross from Adam Lang. Matt Czastka worked his way down the flank and crossed only to find he had no support in the box and the ball was headed clear.
In the odd Windsor attack the Winchester defence stood steady with Lang and James Wilson giving good support to Sam Lockyer playing in an unfamiliar centre half role. Just before half time George put his shot just wide in a goalmouth melee.
Nick Craig came on for Terry Cox at the start of the second half and with the wind dropping, City were able to play some nice football with Dave Allen being the first to show, having a dipping shot well saved. George limped off in the 58th minute to be replaced by Brett Williams and he moved upfront to add some punch to the attack. A few minutes later City played their last throw of the dice bringing on Andy Jacob for Czastka (61st).
Hornsley set up Williams with a chance and he rolled the ball just wide and then Alan headed a cross narrowly past the post. It looked as if City had won the game when Hornsley beat the keeper in the 88th minute but unfortunately his shot clipped the post and rebounded clear. Having rode their luck, Windsor snatched the points when Mark Cooper headed home a free kick in injury time.
City: Clint Cavies, James Wilson, Adam lang, Sam Lockyer, Adam George, Scott Gilham, Luke Hornseley, Dave Allen, James O’Keffee, Terry Cox, Matt Czastka, Substitutes: Jimmy Ball, Brett williams (58th), Andy Jacob (61st), Nick Carig (46th).
This Saturday City are away to Slough and have Adam George and Dave Allen absent through suspension.
City’s re-arranged Southampton Senior Cup tie against Hedge End Rangers has now finally been agreed as Monday 10th December, kick off 7.45 p.m. at the Denplan Stadium, Winchester.
