BRITISH GAS BUSINESS FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1 SOUTH AND WEST

City proved how competitive the Southern League is by making promotion hopefuls Oxford City fight all the way for the points on Saturday. The bright sun and strong wind made it difficult for the players and the game never really flowed as it should. Winchester were put under pressure from the kick off when Mark Bell drifted in behind the defence but the angle proved defeated his opportunity. Leon Woodruffe broke on the left but was brought down by Adam Lang. The free-kick, however, drifted past the far post.

The Blues went ahead after nine minutes as Bell raced on to a through-ball and almost on the bye-line he squared it to Yashwa Romeo. He really did not get a shot in but managed to flick the ball and this unfortunately caught out keeper Clint Davies and it rolled home to give the visitors the lead.

Winchester fought back and a accurate free-kick from Adam Lang was cleared as City crowded in at the far post. In the next attack a slip by a defender allowed Sam Lockyer in but the ball was whipped off his feet as he lined up a shot. Stuart Hussey was the next to threaten as he worked himself into a shooting position but again the ball was hoofed clear. It was Hussey again, who had the best chance of an equaliser and in a one-on-one with the keeper he rounded the custodian only to put his shot just wide of the empty net.

Play switched to the other end and Davies saved a back header and then a cross was wind-asssited onto the top of the City net. Adam Grey picked up a long clearance from Davies at the start of the second half but his hurried shot was wide. Lang then tested the keeper from distance, but the attempt was held.

Manager Andy Leader rested Adam Lang in the 49th minute bringing on Dave Allen to add more punch to the attack and a few minutes later (52nd) Richard Gregory replaced McEnery with the same purpose. The changes had the right effect but Allen missed the target from one good chance, and then saw a ‘cert’ lifted from under the bar by a great save.

Andy Jacob came on for the last 20 minutes in place of Sam Carter and City pressed forward. He combined well Grey and put a shot over the bar and Lang worked his way down the flank and he too shot over the bar. The equaliser never came however and City were left to rue the day.

This Saturday Winchester travel to Hayes.

City: Clint Davies, James Wilson, Adam Lang, Adam George, Matt Bowler Steve Llewellyn, Sam Carter, Michael McEnery, Stauart Hussey, Adam Grey, Sam Lockyer, Substitutes: Scott Gillham, David Allen (49th), Andrew Jacob (69th), Paul Taplin, Richard Gregory (52nd).