BRITISH GAS BUSINESS FOOTBALL LEAGUE SOUTH AND WEST DIVISION 1

City completed a very successful season, retaining their BGB Southern League status, which wascelebrated by the playing staff who arriving at the ground in fancy dress and who stayed behind at the end to enjoy a Club presentation evening. The last game of the season against Newport started on a note on controversy and ended in pure farce! Once again Manager Andy Leader with his eye to next season gave some playing time to some of the younger members of the squad.

In City’s first attack from the whistle Adam Lang worked his way into the penalty box and put in a cross that appeared to be handled by a defender but the referee was relucant to award a penalty so early in the game that he waved away Lang’s protests. Winchester, however, did take an early lead. Brett Williams created an opening on the edge of the box and crossed only for Newport’s Jason Mann to chest the ball passed his own keeper.

Winchester nearly went two-up a few minutes later when a goal kick was hit straight at Dave Allen. He held off a defender but put his shot just wide. City dominated play and Williams was injured going for a header in the box and the resultant free kick was taken by Allen but Lang’s resultant shot went for a corner. Just as the half was ending Newport got back into the game via free kick which Mark Issacson headed home giving Clint Davies no chance from close range.

TJ McClory-Cuthbertson for James O’Keeffe at the start of the second half and within three minutes of the start City increased their lead when Lang slotted home a free kick (48th minute) with a keeper glued to the spot as the ball flashed by him. Lang nearly set up the third with a cross well met by James Eyles with a diving header which was just wide, but in the 51st minute City got the vital goal when McClory-Cuthbertson slipped the ball to Williams who hit a glorious shot into the roof of the net.

City dominated the rest of the match with Allen and Williams, in particular, putting in shots from all angles but with no luck. On the hour Sam Carter replaced Adam George who had another storming game in midfield and in the 70th minute Rick Staples replaced Ross Diaper as Mr Leader range the changes for the last time. With City coasting to the end Newport caught them on the break and Jaimie Bray snatched a consolation goal in the 89th minute.

For the last ten minutes of the game Manager Andy leader donned a wig and joined the fans in the Bus Shelter Stand leading a rousing chorus of ‘Andy Leader’s red and black army’ with gusto! To complete a wonderful day, City’s secretary, John Moody, revealed that the F.A. had granted the Club its Grade ‘D’ ground grading certificate that morning thus ensuring National League System Grade 4 status next season.

City: Clint Davies, James Wilson, Adam Lang, Adam George, Matt Bowler, Steve Llewelyn, James Eyles, Dave Allen, Brett Williams, James O’Keeffe and Ross Diaper, substitutes: Rick Staples (70th), Sam Carter (60th), Richard Gregory and TJ McClory-Cuthbertson (46th).

City host two sets of cup finals before a major renovation of the pitch is started on 6th May. On Sunday 4th May City play host to the Winchester Sunday League Cup final, kick off 2.30p.m. and on Bank Holiday Monday (5th) they host the Hampshire Premier League Cup finals. The Trophyman Combination Cup kicks off at 10.30 a.m., Paulsgrove Reserves v Locks Heath Reserves and the Trophyman Senior Cup final kicks off at 3.00p.m, Team Solent v Stoneham F.C. who are going for a league and cup double.