2 weeks Ago
City went down 2-0 to local rivals AFC Totton and now move below Basingstoke Town who beat rock bottom Marlow, but still remain outside the relegation zone. It means their destiny is in their own hands with victory in their final game at home to Taunton Town will guarantee survival. A draw would mean that two of the games involving Basingstoke, Tiverton and Swindon Supermarine would have to go in their favour, while a loss would certainly make staying up very difficult.
Other teams could still be dragged into the relegation dog fight, but not in a way that affects Winchester. AFC Totton who are managed by Jimmy Ball, son of footballing legend Alan, clinched second place in this division for the second successive year and will be at home in the play off semi final. For Winchester the starting line-up and substitutes bench was identical to Saturday against Chertsey.
Early on Winchester's Dan Bradshaw has a shot saved, but the home team took the lead in the 5th minute when a cross from the right by Luke Bennett was met by a diving header from Tony Lee. For AFC Totton Craig Tanner had a shot blocked and Ethan Taylor had a shot saved, but it becomes 2-0 midway through the half when in trying to intercept a dangerous cross from Ethan Taylor Callum Buckley only succeeded in putting the ball past his own goalkeeper. Winchester tried to get back in the game with George Britton having a goal disallowed, Ethan Light and Tommy Wright had efforts saved, but Luke Cairney was also called into action before the end of the first half, but it remained 2-0 at the interval.
Early in the second half a torrential downpour causes a significant delay to proceedings and play was not resumed until 5pm. Soon after the resumption AFC Totton's captain Mike Carter was sent off for a challenge on Max Smith. Winchester make their first substitution with Reggie Hodan replaced Dan Bradshaw 18 minutes into the second half and 6 minutes later two further substitutions were made with Ollie Griggs and Josh McCormick on for Alex Wilkie and Jamie Barron.
Towards the end Winchester made their final substitution of the game with Malachi Dotse replacing Danny King. During the remainder of the second half AFC Totton second half substitute Ben Seymour forced two saves from Luke Cairney, one with his foot and one at the expense of a corner, while Tommy Wright shot narrowly wide. However in the end it was AFC Totton who took the three points and ended Winchester's run of away form which had seen them win their last three matches.
As mentioned Winchester's final match of the season is at home to Taunton Town on Saturday which will determine their fate for the season..
