Post by malcolm on Sept 27, 2023 23:48:18 GMT 1
Winchester fielded an unchanged starting line-up from Saturday, with Warren Bentley and Max Smith replacing Henry Brooks and Callum Baughan on the substitutes bench and they recorded their first home league win of the season as they beat local rivals Basingstoke Town 2-1 in front of a crowd of over 400. Basingstoke went into this match having won 5 and drawn 1 of their last 6 league games so it was a good scalp to claim.
Basingstoke were founder members of the National League South in 2004/05 and they have previously reached the playoffs of that league, but they suffered two relegations in three seasons, although last seasons's promotion suggests they are on the way up again. IN October 2020 the club started to play at a new ground in the Winklebury area of the town.
The first 15 minutes saw little goalmouth action with attacks broken up before a meaningful shot could be produced, but Winchester took the lead in the 16th minute when Tommy Wright who had initially ball from gooalkeeper Luke Cairney crossed the ball for Simba Mlambo to score. Trevor Caborn hit the post in a first half and which also saw Max Smith replace Jamie Barron Right at the end of normal time in the game's first period Bradley Wilson set up Dan Rowe to score. However a minute later Winchester regained the lead when Caborn set up Wright to score and give Winchester a 2-1 interval lead.
Also in the first half Archie Willcox shot just over following a cross from Caborn who was a constant danger to the visitors defence. At the other end Basingstoke's main danger was the flank play of Brad Wilson and from one of his crosses Billy Upton got his head to the ball, although his effort was off target.
Early in the second half Tommy Wright forces a good save from Peter Rackley n the Basingstoke goal, while at the other end Luke Cairney did well to keep out a lob from Dan Rowe, tipping the ball on to the bar.
Basingstoke were trying hard to get back in the game, but Winchester were looking solid and if anything created the better chances with second half substitute Ollie Balmer hitting the post, Archie Willcox having an effort blocked and Simba Mlambo being narrowly off target with a header from a Tommy Wright cross, Cairney though was tested on at least one occasion in the final 30 minutes of the game.
Winchester though have built a good squad and in recent games there has been plenty of competition for places.
In the closing minuted Ollie Balmer replaced Simba Mlambo and Jordan Rose came on for II K Hill.
Winchester will play at home to Hungerford in the next round of the F A Trophy