Winchester City V Bristol Manor Farm 02/05/2022

WINCHESTER CITY Football Club The Citizens Post Play Off Final 2022

Monday May 2nd 2022

Bristol Manor Farm 3.00pm

Division 1 THE CHARTERS COMMUNITY STADIUM

£1

The Citizens Post

from the boardroom Good Afternoon It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the Charters Community Stadium for this afternoon's Pitching-In Southern League Division One South Play-Off Final fixture between Winchester City and Bristol Manor Farm.

We would like to offer a warm welcome to the Players, Staff, Officials, Directors and Supporters that have travelled across to us from Bristol this Bank Holiday. We hope you have an enjoyable afternoon with us and have a safe journey home and a great Summer! The two clubs won't be facing each other next season (unless in a cup competition), so we also wish you all the best for the 2022-23 season.

It has been quite the season, there will be a full End of Season Review further in the programme. So I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody connected to the club for their support throughout the season. Football is nothing without fans and Non-League football is very much the same, our fans are also our volunteers and we really appreciate the time and efforts that everybody makes in the running of your local club!

Firstly, thank-you to our First-Team Manager, Craig Davis and his staff; Sean, CM, Jo, Mike, Marc, Pete and Jamie. As supporters, you have provided everyone with fantastic entertainment and it has been a pleasure to watch.

Secondly thank-you to Luke and Danny for your work with our Under-23s and to Jamie and all of the coaches at U18s, U16s and beyond. Seeing players like Henry Brooks, Owen Lumsden etc...coming through the youth set-up and into the first-team group shows reflects what a great job you are all doing.

A massive thank-you to all of the clubs' volunteers from Ali and her team behind the bar, to the ladies in the 'Dug Out' burger bar and Wayne on the PA. Thanks to our turnstile operators, stewards and hospitality volunteers, you all play such a vital role in the running of the club.

We are very fortunate to have an excellent Chairman, Director of Football and Directors - we thank-you for your guidance and support.

Lastly, our fans. Thank-you to each and every one of you for your incredible, loyal support throughout the season. You have travelled many hundreds of miles to support the team and your unwavering support never goes unnoticed.

Enjoy the game this afternoon. Have a fantastic summer and we look forward to seeing you all back here at The Charters Community Stadium in the summer ready for the 2022-23 season. #youcitizens Matt Richbell

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The Citizens Post malcolms musings I have already mentioned the form that Winchester and Bristol Manor Farm have been in going to the playoffs, but I would like to mention the Bristol Manor Farm players, supporters and officials to Winchester for this crucial playoff match. I think it is safe to say that from a Winchester perspective this has been a superb season and no matter what happens today apart from the team records that have already been established this has been our best season as a Southern League club and we have not previously played at a higher level than the Southern League.

I am sure that both teams are aware that in the two league games between the clubs we beat Bristol Manor Farm 5-1 at home and drew 2-2 away from home. However the playoff semi finals can certainly remind us that previous matches do not always reflect how sudden death encounters can go. Cirencester who we beat 4-1 after extra time were the only team to complete the double agaist us this season and prior to this encounter we had not beaten any of the other top eight clubs away from home this season.

Bristol Manor Farm who came from behind to beat Frome 3-1 had only obtained one point from the two league games against Frome drawing 0-0 away from home and losing 3-0 on their own patch earlier in the season, but it is fair to say that Bristol Manor Farm have improved as the season has progressed.

Whatever happens today the two clubs promoted from this division will be teams who have never played in the Southern League Premier Division before unlike the defeated playoff semi finalists Cirencester and Frome. In fact apart from two seasons in the 1970’s when Winchester played Southern League football neither champions Plymouth Parkway or the two teams in today’s playoff final were Southern League clubs in the twentieth century.

Champions Plymouth Parkway and today’s opponents Bristol Manor Farm both joined the Southern League from the Western League and several other clubs who have progressed by this route have been successful and these include three clubs who have played in this season’s Southern League Premier Division in Taunton, Truro and Tiverton. Taunton have just been promoted to the National League South, a league that Truro previously played in., and all three of these clubs are former winners of the F A Vase.

Several of the other clubs currently in our division have previously played in the Western League and some of these are also former Southern League Premier Division clubs. Of course on the other side of the coin Winchester City, AFC Totton, Sholing and Lymington Town are all former Wessex League clubs.

I would like to thank Craig Davis for the superb job he has done at Winchester City during more than five years at the helm. I first came across Craig as a player in the 2003/04 season when he was an influential player with Bashley in the Southern League and also at that time Pete Millard was writing the Bashley reports for the Non-League paper. Craig was also a former pupil of Toynbee school where one of his teachers was Rod Manchester who occasionally attends Winchester games. Rod and his family used to live the other side of the fence to me and was formerly a professional at Huddersfield Town where his former playing colleagues included Frank Worthington and Trevor Cherry who were later to play for England.

One thing I think Winchester have done this season is to build a squad of players who are not only competent, but are fully committed to the cause and endeavour to make themselves available unless circumstances dictate. It cannot be easy for players when they are not selected as first choice, especially when they are selected as a substitute and do not get on, but I think we have done a very good job in making squad members feel part of the set-up. Tuesday’s game certainly illustrated how important a role substitutes can play, but it is not the first time this happened this season and in fact it is not the first occasion in this campaign that Max Smith, Oli Bailey and Henry Brooks have had an impact after coming off the bench.

I would also like to think Matt Richbell for his work on the programme this season. Matt has been our editor for several seasons now and also does the weekly Sydenham’s Wessex League round up for the Non-League paper, and he does well to do this on a weekly basis.

This season has been one to relish especially for our long standing supporters and we hope that what we have achieved this season can attract many new supporters to our ground as we finish the campaign.

The Citizens under 23’season review

This season has seen a period of transition for the U23s. After winning the league in its inaugural season, the squad lost a number of key players to other clubs, many moving on to seek first team opportunities elsewhere. This has stretched our resources this year and meant a squad made almost entirely of U18s has managed the U23s fixtures schedule admirably.

Whilst this has presented some challenges at times, especially when playing some older, wiser and more physical opponents, it has served as a valuable learning curve for our more talented youngsters at the club. This has help facilitate the progression several players into the first team squad including Lex Vaughan, Rob Elms, Reece Kepmton, Owen Lumsden and more recently Henry Brooks. So, whilst our season may end trophyless, with a 4th placed finish in the league and an unfortunate penalty shoot-out loss in the Cup semi-final to Dortchester, the season has provided a significant platform for our talented crop of youngsters to make steps towards first team football. Henry Brooks has been the best example - since making his debut away to Mangotsfield in December, Henry has been involved in a number of games in the run in, making significant contributions in almost every game he has played, most notably coming on in extra time and getting 2 assists in the semi final win away to Cirencester.

I will be stepping down as U23s manager at the end of the season to focus on my role as England Schools U18s Manager. I have loved my time at the Club, especially working with First Team Manager Craig Davis and my U23s assistant Danny Smith, and I would love to return to the club once my contract with ESFA ends in two years time. I would like to wish the club every success in the future and I hope it can keep going from strength to strength.

For now,

Luke Hampton

The Citizens Post

DAVOs diary Good afternoon and a warm welcome to everyone for this special match for everyone and a play-off final against Bristol Manor Farm, I wish their players, staff and supporters a pleasant day and safe trip home afterwards.

It’s fair to say that both clubs shared a fantastic day last week and made good friends when both secured places in the play offs, then we both went and tore up the league table and won our respected semi-finals against the odds, now here we are! All them friendships made between the clubs will be put aside for the 90 minutes but there is no doubt whoever does win will have deserved it and we will wish each other well in the spirit I am sure we will, obviously I hope it’s us but if not then massive respect to BMF for a brilliant season! We have had a good recent record against them over the last couple of years, this year we won at home albeit following a sending off for them, then we drew 2-2 in a game that we had made a lot of changes ahead of the play offs, we know full well their abilities as a side and how tough a game it will be, they have some first class players and they have been on a superb run (like us) and we are both bouncing into this game flying, so any neutrals out there expect a tense affair but one where both sides will be attacking and going for it, I am sure it will be a cracker!

Tuesday night was a special night, to play like we did, deserved to win (Feens scoring) in the 90 but got pegged back by a side who kept knocking long ball after long ball at us, we withstood it superbly but one occasion they managed to nick in to equalise, this could have rocked us, however extra time we were superb and ran out 4-1 winners with Griggsy and Max Smith getting the goals between them to fantastic scenes, whatever happens today that night was special for everyone and set up today and the biggest game in the clubs league history!

Player wise we are still without Kieran Douglas, how well we have done without this lad is amazing really as he is simply class, however the rest of the squad are all fit and ready to go, the fact I had to leave a few lads out completely Tuesday and they all travelled and celebrated as much as anyone sums this group of lads up!

All that remains to say is enjoy today, I am sure you are all immensely proud of the lads for what they have done, give us 1 more loud cheer and help us when the going gets tough today, we will be giving it our all as ever and let’s hope that is enough to beat a superb Bristol Manor Farm side.

Up the citizens!

Davo

Match Report

By Malcolm Clarke

BRISTOL MANOR FARM 2 - 2 WINCHESTER CITY Winchester clinched fourth place in the Southern League Division 1 South as a result of drawing 2-2 with Bristol Manor Farm who also qualify for the playoffs as a result of getting a point from the game, finishing one point ahead of sixth placed AFC Totton. As a result Winchester qualify for an away playoff semi final at Cirencester, with the other semi final between Frome and Bristol Manor Farm, with Plymouth Parkway finishing champions. Other than Winchester and Bristol Manor Farm who played each other all of the top seven won on Saturday, Earlier in the season Winchester had achieved an excellent 5-1 home win against Bristol Manor Farm, but since then the Bristol club have been in a rich vein of form, and they went into this match having won all of their last six home league games with only one goal conceded these games and they have also this year recorded impressive away wins against Plymouth Parkway and AFC Totton.

Although they needed just a draw from the game Bristol Manor Farm certainly put an attacking formation to face Winchester containing Owen Howe, Kye Simpson, Dean Stamp and Jake Gosling. Howe and Simpson are amongst the 10 leading scorers in the division, with Howe in addition to being the second highest scorer in the division and scoring a late winner against AFC Totton which proved so critical to Bristol Manor farm's season, also had a spell trying to help Barnstaple try and beat the drop in which he three times scored important goals in games which the North Devon club won by the odd goal.

Gosling although only 28 has played in the football league for four different clubs and once scored for the Gibraltar national team in a European championship qualifier against a Poland team that were able to qualify automatically from their group, while Dean Stamp has proved to be am effective opponent of Winchester's in the past. With teams able to field attacks of this quality it makes Winchester's record at being the top scorers in the division with 93 even more meritorious and they scored 29 more goals in the campaign than Bristol Manor Farm did. Winchester's average points per game and goals per game this season was better than in their playoff season of 2015/16 when Warren Bentley was setting goalscoring records galore.

For the game itself which was preceded by a minute's applause for former Bristol Manor Farm secretary Steve Hillier on the second anniversary of his death, Winchester made eight changes to the starting line-up from Monday's victory against Lymington with just Josh McCormick, Ollie Griggs and Craig Feeney, but for goalkeeper Ryan Pryce, Max Smith, Dan Walster and Connal Bark who were substitutes in this game and Liam Callaghan, Tyrell Mitford and Joe Hayward who have been substitute in recent games it provided them with an opportunity to make their case for a role in the approaching playoffs. Oli Bailey returned after being unavailable over the Easter period and Winchester were able to field a strong bench containing goalkeeper Charlie Philpott, Callum Chugg, Pip Nolan, Ollie Balmer and Simba Mlambo.

Winchester took the lead in the 7th minute when Craig Feeney scores with a header and Tyrell Mitford also has an effort that goes just wide. At the other end Howe forces a save from Pryce, Josh Ford has two off target headers and Kye Simpson has an effort blocked. At the other end Oli Bailey had an effort blocked, but Bristol ,Manor Farm drew level when Kye Simpson scored following up after Pryce had saved his initial shot. with the move for the goal started by goalkeeper Ben John's kick.

Bristol Manor Farm had a couple of off target efforts during the remainder of the first half, but the teams went into the interval level at 1-1.

Early in the second half Oli Bailey set up Tyrell Mitford whose effort was just off target. At the other end Joe Hayward made a crucial block to keep out Howe. Oli Bailey had a shot that was just over, and certainly although Bristol Manor Farm were applying pressure at times Winchester remained dangerous on the break and shortly after Ryan Pryce had been called into action and Winchester had bought on Simba Mlambo and Ollie Balmer to respectively reolace Tyrell Mitford and Liam Callaghan, the lead was regained when the substitutes combined with Mlambo heading Balmer's cross against the bar and Bailey following up to score with a bicycle kick.

Soon after conceding the second goal Bristol Manor Farm were denied by a crucial interception by Joe Hayward. However with news filtering through that AFC Totton were winning at Slimbridge Bristol Manor Farm knew they needed a goal to reach the playoffs. Winchester bought om Callum Chugg for Craig Feeney, but after they had come close a minute earlier, but the equalizer did come in the 87th minute when Owen Howe continued his habit of scoring vital goals when following a cross from Mason Winter Kye Simpson was able to flick the ball into his path.

That was the end of the goalmouth action, but Winchester were able to fill all the supporters allocated sears for the coach journey and the fans who were celebrating the success in achieving 4th position very much added to the atmosphere in what was for the home club a league record attendance of 486.

Match Report

By Malcolm Clarke

CIRENCESTER TOWN 1 - 4 WINCHESTER CITY Cirencester Town's Corinium Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for Winchester in the past. They had only won there once previously with on that occasion Ollie Balmer scoring with the last kick of the game to give Winchester a 4-3 victory in a game in which Cirencester had drawn level in added on time and provoked joyous scenes from the Winchester contingent. Winchester though had another great cause for celebration as they scored three goals in extra time to beat Cirencester 4-1 and clinch a home playoff final on Monday with Bristol Manor Farm who beat Frome 3-1 in the other playoff semi final.

Remarkably all three extra time goals involved Winchester substitutes, with Henry Brooks providing two assists, the first two minutes after coming on to replace Ollie Balmer and Max Smith scoring two great goals, the first following an assist from Brooks.

Cirencester went into the match having had the best defensive record in the division and had been the only team to complete the double against Winchester this season. They had only lost one home league match in the regular season and that was a surprise reverse at the hands of Willand. However they had followed that up by winning all five April games in the regular season to go into the playoff semi final in a rich vein of form, with one of their April victories being against Plymouth Parkway for whom it was their only failure to win in their last 15 league games. However all these factors counted for nothing and indeed prior to the match against Bristol Manor Farm which concluded Winchester's regular season, four successive wins had clinched Winchester's playoff place.

In the build up to the match which pitted the team with the best attacking record against the team with the best defensive record.

Winchester received good luck messages from former players Joe Cook, Keith Emmerson and Rob Carr plus Ryan Andress who was formerly a member of the Winchester management team. Cirencester had lost only five league games this season a record only second placed Frome with four could better orb equal.

Winchester's starting line-up was unchanged from that which clinched a play-off place with a victory against Lymington Town, with the only changes coming on the bench with Oli Bailey and Joe Hayward replacing Ryan Pryce and Connal Bark.

In the 4th minute Winchester's Craig Feeney broke clear of the Cirencester defence, but his effort was just wide, while at the other end Joseph Shepherd heads just wide. However although in the first half of normal time which was goalless there were not many shots on target although both teams had near misses and were denied by crucial blocks. Charlie Philpott had to save from Ben Whitehead at the end of the half. Callum Chugg headed just over following a corner, Ollie Balmer and Jamie Barron had efforts blocked, while at the other end Tom Handley headed one ball across the box, but Ben Whitehead was not quite able to get a decisive touch, while Handlety had an ambitious shot from distance that went wide.

Early in the second half a Handley free kick forces a save from Philpott. A volley from Ollie Balmer forces a good save from Cirencester goalkeeper Alex Harris and Simba Mlambo puts the rebound in, but the rebound in, but the goal is disallowed for offside.

However Winchester do take the lead in the 58th minute when a good team move ends with Craig Feeney drilling the ball home. A powerful drive from Shepherd goes just over, while at the other end Barron shows great individual ,skill in creating a chance for himself, but his effort was just wide.

Winchester make their first substitutions with Oli Bailey replacing Craig Feeney and Max Smith coming on for Warren Bentley. Both Bailey and Smith are quickly in the action with Bailey forcing a save from Harris and Smith shooting over. However it was Cirencester's substitute their leading scorer Joshua Grace-Parsons who was the first substitute to make a major impact. Fellow substitute Nicholas Peare also played a part in the free kick which led to Grace-Parsons following up to score after an initial shot was saved by Philpott. Grace-Parsons had replaced Shepherd thirteen minutes earlier.

Charlie Philpott made saves from Whitehead and Grace-Parsons and Simba Mlambo had a couple of off target efforts, but it was all square after 90 minutes.

In extra time Oli Bailey shoots just wide from the edge of the area and Callum Chugg makes a goal line clearance to keep Cirencester out. Winchester make their third substitution of the evening when Henry Brooks came on for Ollie Balmer. Brooks had an immediate impact when almost immediately after Grace-Parsons has an effort blocked at the other end the young Winchester player helps in the assist for Ollie Griggs to score with a well executed lob.

Winchester went into half time of extra time with a 2-1 lead. However Winchester scored a third after they counter attack following a corner from the home team and after Brooks's initial shot is saved Smith is on hand to hammer home the rebound. Simba Mlambo shoots just wide, but Max Smith sends the Winchester fans into ecstasy when he provides another great strike to complete a memorable 4-1 victory.

The Citizens youth development Firstly, I would like to say thank you to all the staff, parents, volunteers and players that have contributed to such an amazing season for Winchester City. Of course, like any big football club we have a lot of youth teams across so many ages who all do tremendously every year, but I wanted to go through some particular highs across the competition age groups.

Starting at men’s level we have seen five u18s make first team appearances (Henry Brooks, Robert Elms, Owen Lumsden, Reece Kempton, Lex Vaughan) who have all contributed massively this season. Henry has gone on to become a real cult hero in the end of season run in with vital goals and assists when called upon.

At U23s we have included 21 different U18s players across the games so far with 3 U16s also getting game time. This has given us the chance to show the step up from the youth setup into men’s football.

The U18s structure has been superb this season with the biggest achievement being our run in the FA Youth Cup. For the first time in the club’s history, we reached the 1st round proper and had a brilliant tie against ex-Premier League side Swindon Town. Both of our Hampshire U18s sides have had a fantastic season so far with the main high points being runners up of the Hampshire Cup for the Winchester Reds. We also have our Winchester Blacks side who are looking at a top 6 finish including taking 4/6 points over league champions Baffins Milton Rovers.

Across the U16s/U15s again we have had many success stories. The U16s are looking at a top 4 finish in Division 1 and with a League Cup Final to look forward to which will hopefully cap off a great campaign. The U15s have had an excellent season winning Division 2 by 11 points, they also have a League Cup Final to look forward to and are hoping to build further as they enter Division 1 next season.

Again, we have had further successes from our U14s/U13s/U12s. Both U14s sides have been excellent this season on and off the pitch and are always in high spirits. The Blues looking at a potential top 4 finish in Division 2. All our U13s team have been a privilege to watch, the Blues went on to win Division 1 and have a Hampshire Cup Final to look forward to as well. Lastly at U12s we had our brilliant Blue team who achieved a top 4 finish and our Blacks went on to win Division 4.

We have so many teams not mentioned above who have also had great success on and off the pitch this season. The work that goes on from all the staff at the club is staggering and I cannot thank everyone enough for all the work they put in every week. The club and I are making big strides off the pitch to improve the youth setup and give the best support to the staff and players that we can so that everyone enjoys the experience of being a Citizen.

Up the Citizens Jamie Ricketts Head of Youth Development

Todays Visitors bristol manor farm Bristol Manor Farm Football Club was formed for the 1960/61 season before disbanding and reforming for the start of the 1962/63 campaign. Our ground here at ‘The Creek’ used to be the site of the Port of Bristol Authority Sports & Social Club. In 1965 when the authority moved to new premises, Manor Farm took it over, making it our permanent home.

Having a base of our own enabled the club to apply successfully to join the Somerset Senior League where we made good progress through the divisions. In 1977 the club decided to step up to the Western League, joining the First Division for the start of the 1977/78 season. The Club were crowned Division 1 Champions for 1982/83 and since that promotion to the Premier Division of the Western League Bristol Manor Farm have played most of our football at that level.

The last decade at the club has certainly been the most ambitious period of our history. An exciting run during the 2010/11 FA Cup competition saw us win a penalty shoot-out against Almondsbury Town and hold Basingstoke Town to a draw before being pipped by a single goal in the replay.

2011/12 was the most successful season in the history of the club to that date. We won the GFA Challenge Trophy after beating Shortwood United 5-0 in a thrilling final and this was followed three days later with another cup triumph when we beat Willand Rovers in extra time to finally lift the Les Phillips Cup. We lost the GFA Trophy Final to Bristol Academy in 2012/13 however and finished third from bottom of the Premier Division. After good service to the club, Manager John Black decided it was time to stand down.

The start of the 2013/14 season saw the beginning of a new era at Bristol Manor Farm FC when current boss Lee Lashenko took over the Manager's job. Fresh from winning the title with Bishop Sutton, Lashenko quickly made an impact with Manor Farm.

An FA Cup run that saw us put nine goals past Oldland Abbotonians and then seven past Lymington Town quickly brought us to the attention of the national press. The tabloid photographers had a field day down at The Creek – photographing the team with the FA Cup and a variety of 'farmyard' accessories and costumes – it was a brilliant and fun day that everyone here will never forget. The First Round Qualifying Round tie against Corsham Town then ended in a 4 4 draw with Manor Farm winning the hard fought replay 1-0. We then also held Bridgwater Town to a 4-4 draw in the next round before narrowly going out 2-1 in the replay.

The club continued to fight for top spot in the league and also applied for promotion to the Southern League. We finished the league season as Runners-up but were unsuccessful in our promotion bid when Larkhall Athletic were accepted ahead of us. It was the highest-placed finish in the club’s league history, however, breaking club records for goals scored and fewest goals conceded.

In 2014 & 2015 Bristol Manor Farm missed out on promotion to the Southern League by 3 points, allowing Slimbridge to go up instead. We did win the GFA County Challenge Trophy however with a 2-0 win over local neighbours Shirehampton.

During an epic 2015/2016 season a heroic run in the FA Vase took us to within sniffing distance of Wembley with a notable comeback win in the fifth round, overcoming Sunderland RCA 3-2 and a long return trip to the North-East for a Quarter Final showdown with Morpeth Town. On a heavy pitch The Portwaymen were unlucky to go out with Morpeth scoring a breakaway goal in the dying seconds after

Todays Visitors bristol manor farm Farm had laid virtual siege to The Highwaymen's goal throughout the second half. Morpeth went on to beat Hereford FC 4-1 in the showpiece Wembley final.

We finished third in the Western Premier League – just missing out once again on promotion but won the GFA County Challenge Trophy for the second season in succession with a record 9-2 win over Lydney Town in the final. On a happy night at Ashton Gate our former Exeter City and Truro City striker Dean Stamp also won the Bristol Post 'Footballer of the Year' award for his astonishing tally of 59 goals in all competitions.

The many highlights of Manor Farm's triumphant 2016/17 season will be forever woven into the fabric of the club's history as we finally secured that elusive promotion to the Southern League in emphatic style, amassing 102 points and scoring over 100 goals on the way to being crowned as Western League Champions. We also unluckily missed out on a second FA Vase Quarter Final in succession with another narrow 2-1 defeat in a fifth round tie in front of 1,500 partisan fans at Bromsgrove Sporting FC. An extraordinary unbeaten league run of 21 games between September and March (19 wins and 2 draws) went a long way to securing the coveted league title for Manor Farm however, which was eventually clinched with three games to spare following a 2-0 win at local club Hallen on Good Friday.

Lee Lashenko and his squad of title winners were warmly acknowledged later in the year on another great night for the club at Ashton Gate - walking off with ‘Coach of the Year’ and ‘Team of the Year’ respectively at the Bristol Post Sports Awards.

Manor Farm hit the ground running during our dramatic, first Southern League campaign (‘17/18) – briefly leading in the pack in September and never out of the top six until the final agonising fortnight of the season. Despite the obvious disappointment of an eventual 9th placed finish the club was left to reflect on an exciting debut that proved our players were more than capable of competing at the higher levels we desire as a club.

“Our second season felt more like a first season” remarked Lee Lashenko at the end of year awards for the 2018/19 campaign. Beset by a plague of injuries and a rash of suspensions, The Farm failed to find the league consistency of our debut season but the club’s national profile was given another further boost by an extended run in the Emirates FA Cup – the best ever in the club’s history. We were literally inches and a game away from entering the First Round proper, finally falling to National League side Slough Town in a Third Qualifying Round replay after a valiant 2-2 draw in the original tie at their Arbour Park ground and a 5-2 thumping of Basingstoke Town at home in the previous round.

The club has now established itself in the Southern League. In 19/20 we were plagued with injuries but we will see the benefit of last season with this seasons progression. Last season was memorable for another successful FA Cup run. With a great home fixture against Wealdstone which we drew 0-0 so resulted in us visiting them in the replay which we lost. In the previous round we visited Tiverton Town and came away with a 4-2 win.

The 20/21 season was another one that was brought short thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic but saw another successful cup run. An exciting penalty shoot out at Kidlington saw The Farm secure a place in the Third Qualifying Round. The Farm bowed out to Cray Wanderers on penalties following a heroic comeback in front of a sell-out crowd. The premature end to the season meant that Manor Farm finished the season with a number of friendlies, the highlight of which was the inaugural Steve Hillier Memorial Cup, in honour of the long serving Secretary.

Results Southern League South Saturday 23rd April

Plymouth Parkway 3-0 Cinderford Town

Bideford 4-0 Mangotsfield United

Sholing 1-0 Barnstaple Town

Bristol Manor Farm 2-2 WCFC

Slimbridge 1-3 AFC Totton

Evesham United 2-0 Larkhall Athletic Highworth Town 3-3 Willand Rovers

Tuesday 26th April

Lymington Town 0-5 Frome Town

Cirencester Town 1-4 WCFC (AET)

Paulton Rovers 1-2 Cirencester Town

Frome Town 1-3 Bristol Manor Farm

Southern League South - Final standings

ByMatt Badcock

WE’VE NEARLY made it. The Step 3&4 leagues wrap up their seasons with the play-off finals across this Bank Holiday weekend and the National League finish line is in sight too.

By the time you read this, some of those Step 1 and 2 clubs may even be a game away from lifting their title, while others have to settle for the play-offs. From the point of view of a journalist, this is the fun part of the season. Managers, players and clubs as a whole have been working away for the past nine months – and more – in the hope of being in a position to taste glory at this point of the year.

After the past two seasons of Covid disruption, it’s been even more enjoyable to see so many celebrating their successes. With more to come in the coming days and weeks. Whether it’s the time gap or something tangible, it feels like milestones have been reached all over the place this season. Gates have been booming right throughout the Pyramid, FA Vase finalists Littlehampton Town scored their 200th goal of the campaign the other night, while Bracknell Town – winners of the Isthmian League Division One South Central – conceded just 12 goals in the league.

TWELVE in 36 games! Hanworth Villa at Step 5 didn’t lose a game on the way to their title.

That’s to only highlight a few.

The jubilant scenes over the last few weeks have served as a reminder of how important movement up and down the Pyramid is. After a couple of years of stagnation, it’s good to see the pack being shuffled again. Anyone familiar with rugby union will have seen the effective ring-fencing of their top-flight.

Would Premier League clubs want the same in football? Probably. But promotion and relegation is vital. This season’s introduction of more promotion spots from Step 5 has made things more interesting – and is allowing progressive clubs the chance to move up rather than get caught in the bottle neck of before.It’s interesting to look into the EFL at teams who not all that long ago were in Non-League. Sutton United, promoted only last season, are pushing for a second successive promotion in a division Forest Green Rovers have already secured their passage to League One. At the top end of the EFL, Luton Town are fighting it out for a place in the Premier League. An incredible job by all at the Hatters, led by manager Nathan Jones. It doesn’t feel that long ago I was watching them get booed off at half-time by some of the fans even though they were 2-0 up at the time!

Success is relative for all clubs. For some it’s about consolidation or even survival. For those who haven’t been able to steer clear of safety, or have missed out on promotion there’s now the chance to regroup and aim to bounce back. After two frustrating years, it’s just nice to be telling all these season defining stories again.

season review

By Matt Richbell

So as you are reading this, the season isn't totally over, but Winchester City are about to host Bristol Manor Farm in the Pitching-In Southern League Division One South Play-Off Final, a great achievement for both clubs. Let's take you back to the start of the 2021-22 season and see how City got to where they are today.

Craig Davis recruited several new faces over the summer, including Adam Grange from Poole Town and former Carlisle United striker, Greg Peel. City had a mixed bag of results in pre-season, including a home loss against Poole Town and a draw away at Met Police before the main event began in August, at home to Bideford AFC. The opening game of the season finished in a 2-2 draw, with skipper Jamie Barron, salvaging a point with virtually the last kick of the game. City exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round, losing 2-1 at home to Chichester City but a 2-0 home win against Evesham United followed the next weekend to get a first league win of the season, Josh McCormick and Olly Balmer scoring for the Citizens.

The month ended with a 2-0 loss at Sholing on the Bank Holiday Monday.

Into September and the month began in style, with a 4-0 win at Slimbridge. The original game was abandoned at 1-1 due to a Floodlight fire, so this was already a first re-arrangement of the season. Craig Feeney was a new signing, returning to the club from AFC Totton, and he was also joined by another returning face, young Goalkeeper, Harry Birchnall, who started the game due to an injury to Charlie Philpott. Olly Balmer put City ahead and Rob Flooks (now of AFC Totton) doubled the lead shortly afterwards. Flooks was then dismissed early in the second-half but City continued to dominate and Max Smith scored a long-range effort to make it three. Greg Peel got his first for the club from the penalty spot late on.

C ity made ten changes for their next game, a Southern League Cup tie at Gosport Borough.

However, this highlighted the strength in depth at the club as City recorded an upset, winning 2-1, with Liam Callaghan scoring and Adam Grange scored his first goal for the club.

Oli Bailey returned to the club in September, moving back to the area having been playing for Gresley Rovers. He produced a memorable rendition of 'Rocket Man' as his initiation song that recorded an incredible 182,000 views on Twitter - take this opportunity to have another watch, classic.

season review

By Matt Richbell

A third win in a row followed, with a 7-1 win at home to Barnstaple Town. Danny King put the visitors ahead and that was added to by goals from Oli Bailey, Craig Feeney, Ollie Griggs, Max Smith and Simba Mlambo also found the target. A dramatic 2-2 draw away at rivals, AFC Totton, followed. Olly Balmer scored a free-kick for the visitors and Simba Mlambo also netted at the Snows Stadium.

City exited the Hampshire Senior Cup with a young side, losing 6-0 at National League South side, Havant & Waterlooville. Lastly in September, a 3-2 defeat at Thame United in the FA Trophy.

The Citizens started October with a penalty shootout victory over Hartley Wintney in the League Cup. The game itself finished 1-1, with Max Smith on target for City. A 5-2 win at Cinderford Town followed in the league. Dan Walster made his City debut at The Causeway Stadium, joining the club on dual-registeration terms from Aldershot Town U23s. The hosts went ahead, but goals from Balmer (x2), Barron and Feeney (x2).

Up next was a 1-0 home reverse against Highworth Town and then a 1-1 draw at home to Willand Rovers, with Simba Mlambo scoring City's equaliser. A third game without a win followed, an unlucky 2-0 defeat at Frome Town. But that was remedied with another 4-0 win against Slimbridge. This was the first time Pip was named in a City squad, and what a signing Pip has been. Mlambo put City ahead and scored a second shortly afterwards.

Griggs added a third and Max Smith dispatched the fourth goal.

November began with a hard-fought 2-2 draw away at Melksham Town. The big news in the build-up to Melksham, was the new signing of striker, Warren Bentley. The former Citizen returning, listing Hungerford Town and Weymouth amongst his former sides. Bentley was on the bench on his return, and City found themselves 2-0 down early on. Kieran Douglas reduced the deficit, and the comeback was complete thanks to Simba Mlambo.

Bristol Manor Farm, today's opponents, were beaten 5-1 next. A crowd of 303 watched on as Ollie Griggs put City ahead. Manor Farm equalised and were then reduced to ten men before City took control. Mlambo restored City's lead with his third goal in successive home games. Feeney made it three and further goals from Smith and Feeney, again, sealed the win. Bentley got his first goal back at the club in a 2-1 win at Bideford. The talisman netted a penalty to put the visitors ahead. Olly Balmer added a second for City and although the hosts pulled a goal back, City left North Devon with the win. The month ended with a 3-1 defeat at home to Cirencester Town.

season review

By Matt Richbell

City began December with an impressive 4-0 win away at Paulton Rovers. Feeney was on target to put the visitors ahead, and that was added to by a Rob Flooks header, a Jamie Barron strike and an effort from Mlambo. City lost 4-2 at home to Larkhall Athletic before a memorable 4-2 win at Mangotsfield United a week before Christmas.

The trip to Cossham Street was a special one for three City youngsters; Henry Brooks, Owen Lumsden and Rob Elms, who were all named amongst the first-team squad for the first time. The hosts went ahead before Oli Bailey levelled proceedings. Warren Bentley then put City ahead before half-time. Henry Brooks came off the bench to make his debut, and within two minutes, he provided an assist for Bailey's second goal. Brooks then went one better and scored City's fourth goal of the afternoon.

A game on Boxing Day was postponed, meaning the win in Bristol was City's last game of 2021.

New Year started with a 1-0 win at Lymington Town thanks to a Simba Mlambo goal. A Friday night game against rivals, AFC Totton, followed, a game City won 3-1. The Stags took the lead, but 60 seconds later it was 1-1 thanks to Warren Bentley. Flooks, now of AFC Totton, put City ahead and the third goal came from Olly Balmer.

A fourth win in a row came in the Southampton Senior Cup, a 5-0 triumph at home to Downton. Liam Callaghan put City ahead, Jamie Barron scored the second, Feeney the third, Bailey the fourth and the final goal was a Warren Bentley penalty. It became five wins in a row thanks to a 4-2 win at an improving Barnstaple Town side. Josh McCormick put City ahead and Mlambo doubled the lead. Barnstaple reduced the deficit, before Bentley made it three. Barnstaple then pulled another goal back before the decisive fourth goal from Oli Bailey.

Up next was a dramatic 3-3 draw at home to Plymouth Parkway. There were three penalties in the game, two missed, and also two red cards in a highly-charged encounter. Olly Balmer fired City ahead, but the lead lasted just five minutes. It was topsy-turvy game, that saw Kieran Douglas and Warren Bentley also score for City. A goalless draw at home to Frome Town followed before 3-0 win at Highworth Town at the end of the month. Oli Bailey scored a hat-trick to give City the win and make it seven games unbeaten.

February began with an eighth game unbeaten, a 3-1 win at home to Sholing. But the run ended on a windy afternoon at Cirencester. Jake Lee scored an own goal to put City ahead before the hosts took control. A young City side then won 3-0 at Sholing in the next round

season review

By Matt Richbell

of the Southampton Senior Cup. Henry Brooks scored his second of his maiden season in the first-team. Max Smith made it two with an impressive strike before Olly Balmer scored a third, assisted by Tyrell Mitford. City completed the double over Cinderford in the next game, winning 3-1. Henry Brooks was on target once again, and Jamie Barron was also amongst the goals. The month ended with a 5-1 win at Romsey Town in the Southampton Senior Cup last 16.

On to March and the month began with a 2-2 draw at home to Paulton Rovers. City then faced a long midweek trip to Willand Rovers, which finished in a 3-1 win. Bentley scored twice and Max Smith was also on target.

Bentley's brace secured his 300th career goal.

Another trip to Devon followed several days later, and a late goal gave Plymouth Parkway a 1-0 victory against City. City got back to winning ways a week later with a 2-1 home win over Mangotsfield United. A crowd of 424 were in attendance in a month that saw Callum Chugg join from Wimborne and Rob Carr and Pat Cox have also re-signed for the club on dual-registration forms. United went ahead but Oli Bailey made it 1-1 and the winner came from Balmer. City were in the Quarter-Finals of the Southampton Senior Cup at the end of the month, and won 11-0 at Millbrook.

Joe Hayward scored twice, Liam Callaghan also scored two, Bentley and Balmer were also amongst the goals for City.

Into the all important month of April and it began with a 2-0 win at Larkhall Athletic.

Feeney and Balmer scored the goals for the visitors. A 3-0 home win against Melksham Town followed. Bentley opened the scoring with a penalty and Balmer then made it two and he also scored the third goal. City exited the Southampton Senior Cup in a 2-1 loss against AFC Totton at Sholing.

Two successive 5-1 league wins followed away to Evesham United and at home to Lymington Town. Simba Mlambo bagged a hat-trick in the Lymington clash. This led to a final game away at Bristol Manor Farm. Feeney headed City ahead before the hosts equalised.

Bailey then put City ahead before a late leveller, but City had already secured their play-off status following the Lymington win.

City won the play-off semi-final 4-1 after extra-time at Cirencester Town. Craig Feeney and Ollie Griggs scored for City, whilst substitute, Max Smith, scored twice.

That takes us up today, I'm sure you will all agree me in saying - what a season!

WINCHESTER CITY FC PLAYER PROFILES

2021/- 2022

CHARLIE PHILPOTT Young Goalkeeper who has made the number one berth his own in a second season at the club, dual-registered from National League side, Eastleigh. A Wales Futsal International with a bright future ahead of him.

DANNY KING Left sided defender, the clubs longest-serving player currently and a real fans favourite. A teacher by trade, he has played for Chelsea and Southampton in his youth. Danny reached his testimonial year last season and had his testimonial at the end of the 2017-18 campaign. ‘Kinger’ also skippers the side in the absence of Jamie Barron.

JOE HAYWARD Defender who joined us having previously been with Eastleigh FC, unfortunately broke his leg early in his City career but returned quickly and showed what great potential he has. Joe scored a memorable goal, City’s spot kick, in the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup away to Torquay United in the 2018-19 campaign.

JAMIE BARRON Re-signed from Gosport Borough Jamie has played for Salisbury, Andover, Sholing and Folland Sports. A winner of a Schools National Cup medal. Appointed Captain for another season and a really important player for us. ‘Baz’ has remained loyal to City despite interest from elsewhere.

SIMBA MLAMBO Also signed from Davis’ former club, Fleet Town. Mlambo has spent some time in North Hampshire and was an Alton Town player before this. Can play wide or up front and a player with immense speed and power in the air. Another playing starting his fifth season with City. Simba works tirelessly for the cause and scores important goals as well.

MAX SMITH Max Smith - Max has previous experience at Moneyfields and most recently and, Alton Town, before joining City ahead of the 2019-20 season. He started his career at the Portsmouth FC academy. A dynamic Midfielder that we have high hopes for in the season ahead.

KIERAN DOUGLAS - Young Defender signed from the Wessex leagues’ Christchurch FC, where he had been Captain for two successful seasons. A tall, strong and composed player who has settled in very well at the club already and we only see good things for the future. Kieran re-joined Christchurch on dual-registered forms for their FA Vase run in the 2020-21 season but he is now back at City once again.

WINCHESTER CITY FC PLAYER PROFILES

2021/- 2022

back at City once again.

OLLY BALMER 21-year-old Forward who has signed from Poole Town, having played for them at the Conference South level. Olly is technically skilled with an eye for the goal, so we are looking forward to him flourishing with the Citizens this year. Balmer has turned in many influential displays for City, including scoring a memorable last-minute free-kick at Cirencester Town which made him a fans favourite.

OLLIE GRIGGS Combative Midfielder who we are pleased to be signing permanently for the Citizens this season having played with the club on two occasions in the past whilst at Southern Premier club, Dorchester Town. Griggsy has played for both City and Dorchester in recent years and has now signed for City once again for the 2021-22 season.

NICK HARVEY Young Goalkeeper, Nick Harvey, has signed first-team forms for City this season. Harvey played for City’s Under-23s last season whilst dual-registered with Ringwood Town. An agile young Goalkeeper, with a bright future ahead.

LIAM CALLAGHAN A tricky former AFC Totton winger that has signed forms a second consecutive season for City. Callaghan featured heavily for City’s Under-23s at the end of last season once their title winning campaign restarted and was a constant threat for opposition defences.

LEX VAUGHAN Lex burst onto the scene by performing outstandingly in Jamie Ricketts' successful Under-16s side. Lex was promoted directly to the Under-23s where he impressed last season, so much so that he too has signed first-team forms for the 2021-22 season.

TYRELL MITFORD City’s FA Cup hero has re-signed for the club once again. Mitford will be hoping to emulate his recent goalscoring exploits. An excellent finisher who lists Ramsgate, Kings Langley, Beaconsfield and Team Solent amongst his former sides.

WINCHESTER CITY FC PLAYER PROFILES

2021/- 2022

OLI BAILEY A club legend that has moved back to the area and re-signed from Gresley Rovers. Bailey had several prolific seasons at the club before re-locating but he is now back in the area and back at City. A former Gosport Borough forward.

JOSH McCORMICK ‘Macca’ has signed first-team forms once again City. A former City youth team player that went on to play first team football elsewhere, including at Bognor Regis Town. Josh is now converted to a full-back and has been a regular in Davo’s plans since returning to the club.

WARREN BENTLEY 'Wazza' has returned 'home', after scoring over 100 goals during his last spell at The City Ground. Bentley left in 2016 to join Gosport Borough and has since played for Hungerford, Poole Town, Weymouth, Salisbury and most recently has a second spell at National League South side, Hungerford Town. A prolific striker and a firm fans favourite.

PIP NOLAN 'Pip', Patrick Nolan, is another returning Citizen. Nolan is a central defender that has stepped-in with Kieran Douglas gaining an injury in November. Nolan joined City from AFC Stoneham and has also recently served Brockenhurst and Team Solent in the Wessex League.

DAN WALSTER A talented central defender that has dual-registered with City from National Premier League side, Aldershot Town. Walster started out at AFC Bournemouth Academy before he then switched to Aldershot's Academy. Dan most recently played first-team football at Chichester City and has now become a regular in the heart of the City defence.

HENRY BROOKS Young midfielder that made his senior debut for the club away at Mangotsfield United in December 2021. Brooks came off the bench that day, got an assist and a goal and has never looked back. A key part of the matchday squad now.

PAT COX - Cox has returned for a third-spell at the Charters Community Stadium having previously been registered with Camberley Town this season. 'Coxy', a target man, is a popular character amongst the City supporters. He lists Fleet Town, Farnborough, Staines Town, Basingstoke, Salisbury and Hayes and Yeading United amongst his former sides after starting out at Reading U18s.

WINCHESTER CITY FC PLAYER PROFILES

2021/- 2022

ROB CARR A hero and true club great, the tricky winger, based in East Hampshire, has been playing closer to home this campaign for Sydenhams Wessex Premier League side, Alton. Carr joined City from Fleet Town and previously played for Chertsey Town and Woking.

STAFF PROFILES CRAIG DAVIS Player-Manager who came to City from Fleet Town after relinquishing his position as Manager. Took over as Interim Manager until the end of the 2016-17 season before taking over the reins permanently. His playing career started off as a pro at Cardiff City before spells at Bashley, Salisbury, Gosport Borough and AFC Totton. Has won both the Southern League South and West and Premier as a player. ‘Davo’ has had several opportunities to move on from City, including an opportunity at a higher level, but he has shown his commitment and loyalty to City and we are delighted to have him at the helm.

SEAN BIRCHNALL Assistant Manager now in his third season with the club. Sean is an experienced coach who has managed the Army football team as well. Struggles with availability at times due to work commitments but a huge asset to Craig’s backroom staff when available.

CRAIG MARTIN First Team Coach. Craig has been at the club for several season now. He played with Davo at Fleet Town and is based locally.

MARC COLE Goalkeeping Coach. ‘Coler’ has been an ever-present on matchdays for the First Team since his arrival at the club from Alresford Town.

JO BROCKSOM Jo is in her 6th season now at Winchester as Sports therapist, this is her 2nd season taking a leading role though, has been integral in keeping our players on the pitch and delighted to have her with the club again this season.

Ground Regulations Welcome to the Charters City Ground.

Please respect the staff and the facilities: ◊

Please do not enter the field of play before, during or after the game.

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Ball games are not permitted around the ground whilst matches are in progress

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Please do not use rude, obscene, racial or abusive language or gestures that are likely to cause offence.

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Please do not take glasses outside. Alcohol may now be consumed outside, but in plastic glasses only (in accordance with new Hampshire FA ruling).

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Please do not climb floodlights, pylons, fences, stands and other club structures.

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Please do not stand in the hatched areas around the pitch.

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No offensive objects are permitted (including bottles, cans, glasses, smoke bombs, flares etc.) or throwing any objects on the field of play.

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Please note that all vehicles parked on the club premises are at owners/driver's risk.

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The club accepts no responsibility for any damage to vehicles.

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Any supporter who encroached on to the playing area will be arrested.

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Comments or items in the programme do not necessarily represent those of Winchester City FC.

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The club reserves the right to refuse admission, eject from the ground, or prosecute any person in breach of the rules

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Winchester City FC CLUB HISTORY

The Winchester Football Club was founded in 1884 as a result of the endeavours of two residents of the city – Oxford graduate and former England Rugby cap Charles Sylvester Wooldridge and Huntingdon-born all-round sportsman (and, incidentally, inventor of ice hockey!) Arnold Tebbutt. The football club, which had strong links with Winchester College, made quite an impact in the early years of association football in Hampshire, reaching the final of the inaugural Hampshire Senior Cup competition in 1888 and providing a number of players to represent Hampshire in county-based competitions. However financial difficulties, combined with the indifference of Winchester residents, led to the 1884 club folding in 1893.

The decline of the city’s most high-profile club left a void that was subsequently to be filled by the Winchester Swallows FC. Formed in 1891, the Swallows were less socially exclusive than the 1884 club and had a membership more reflective of that of Winchester as a whole. The club changed its name to Winchester FC at the start of the start of the 1894/95 season, and again in 1907 when it became Winchester City FC. Like the 1884 club, the Swallows appeared in a dark blue and white strip and played their home games at Bar End, before moving in 1896 to a field adjoining the Old Red Deer pub in Stockbridge Road, and relocating again to the Roebuck Inn in 1902.

The club first played in a league-based competition in 1896/97 when it entered the newly-formed South Hampshire League. Winchester FC won the title in this first season, and repeated that feat in the each of the following three years. The club joined the Hampshire League in 1898/99 where, after struggling during their first few seasons, they remained unbeaten throughout the 1904/05 season and won the League’s Northern Section. The club also enrolled to the Southampton and District League in 1908/09, but with no notable success.

Like a number of other football clubs, Winchester City FC effectively disbanded at the start of the First World War in 1914, and didn’t reappear until 1920.

The rebirth of the club signalled two significant changes. Firstly, the club had moved again, this time playing its home fixtures at the Fair Field at Bar End (now the site of the Bar End Industrial Estate), a site where it was to stay until the Second World War. Secondly, it adopted a new strip, discarding its navy-blue colours in favour of red and white stripes.

The late 20s and early 30s proved to be a purple patch in City’s fortunes. The 1929/30 season saw the side again win the Northern Section of the Hampshire League, and achieve its most successful FA Cup run to date. That year saw City reach the fourth qualifying round of the tournament where a 3-0 defeat by Thames FC at the 120,000 capacity West Ham Stadium deprived them of an away trip to Fulham in the First-Round proper. Any disappointment at this would have been forgotten two years later in 1931 when City lifted the Hampshire Senior Cup for the first time after defeating Andover at The Dell.

One of the key members of the team in that era was the teenage Ted Drake. A local gas meter-reader at the time of joining City, Drake went on to enjoy a successful career with Southampton before joining Arsenal and also collecting five England caps. The highlight of his subsequent managerial career saw him steer Chelsea to their first (and, until 2005, their only) league title in 1955.

Play was again interrupted by war in 1939, although the club did continue to play and took advantage of the presence of a number of enlisted players that passed through the city. The end of hostilities saw City move yet again, this time taking up a lease of the Army’s playing field at Airlie Road, Stanmore.

The 1950s saw a second notable period of success at Winchester City. The side were runners up in the Hampshire League in 1949/50 and, in the same season, won their first Southampton Senior Cup final, an achievement which was repeated in 1951/52. The Russell Cotes Cup was also won for the first time in 1954/55. Success on the field was mirrored off the pitch as the club enjoyed some of its largest gates with crowds that regularly topped 1,000 filing into the Airlie Road stands.

CLUB HISTORY It was during this period that the young Terry Paine ran out for his hometown club. His prodigious talent led to his being signed in 1956 by Southampton with whom he made a record number of appearances (713 over 17 seasons). Paine also made 19 appearances for England, the last of which was against Mexico in the 1966 World Cup finals for which he (belatedly) received a winner’s medal in 2009.

Prior to the 1970s City had played virtually all of its competitive football, with the exceptions of the Amateur and FA Cups, within the confines of the Hampshire county border. However, after the club’s Russell Cotes Cup victory and a creditable second spot in the Hampshire League in 1970/71 the club’s Board decided to make the step up and enter the Southern League for the first time. City survived for just two seasons at that higher level, achieving disappointing final positions of 12th out of 16 (1971/72) and 21st out of 22 (1972/73), before electing to return to the Hampshire League.

For the remainder of the 1970s City yoyo’d between the top two divisions of the Hampshire League before a potentially fatal blow hit the club in 1981. In that year the lease agreement with the Army for Airlie Road expired and was not renewed. Briefly homeless, the club eventually moved to its current ground, a pitch leased from the City Council at Hillier Way. The ground needed a considerable amount of work to get it up to scratch, as did the team which had tumbled into the Hampshire League’s third division by 1982/83. The ignominy of this decline was made all the greater by the success of local rivals Winchester Castle in the first division – City could no longer claim to be Winchester’s premier club.

The continuing existence of Winchester City FC throughout the 1980s owed much to the work of Geoff Cox who at various times acted as Chairman, Manager, Coach and Groundsman at the club. Under his guidance the club was eventually to return to the Hampshire League’s top division in 1993/94.

The new millennium ushered in a period of unprecedented success for Winchester City. Prompted in part by the arrival of new and ambitious members to the Board, the club merged with Winchester Castle and began a rapid rise through the local league structure. Promotion to the Hampshire Premier League was achieved in 2000/01, and followed two years later by promotion to the Wessex League. The Wessex League title was secured at the first attempt.

That same season witnessed the club’s greatest ever triumph. May 2004 saw City face Suffolk side AFC Sudbury in the final of FA Vase at Birmingham City’s St Andrew’s ground. Few that were there will forget the spine-jangling moment when club captain Danny Smith lifted the trophy after the 2-0 victory.

Further successes were recorded in the seasons that followed – 2004/05 saw City win the Hampshire Senior Cup for the second time, beating Aldershot 2-1 at Bournemouth’s Dean Court ground, whilst 2005/06 witnessed the club regain the Wessex League championship and win promotion to the Southern League for a second spell.

City’s return to the Southern League lasted three seasons. Financial problems, followed by a final day points deduction saw City return to the Wessex League for the 2009/10 campaign. Despite a concerted push to gain promotion back to the Southern League which ultimately proved successful in 2011/12, the resources required to sustain the club’s position at that level proved elusive. Winchester City FC finished the 2012/13 season at the foot of the Southern league and facing an uncertain future. The late spring of 2013 saw a takeover at the club and, with a new Committee structure and financial backers in place, the 2013/14 season heralds the start of a new chapter in the history of Winchester City FC. 2013-2014 saw a season of re-organisation and team building, with City retaining a place in the Sydenhams Wessex League.

2015-2016 – City made a valiant attempt to take the Wessex title but just fell short to a very successful Peters field Town side who were rightly promoted to the Southern League. City under the Managership of Paul Masters then set about strengthening the squad to win the title next season when out of the blue they were offered a place in the Southern League due to a withdrawal. The Club were given 24 hours to pay their fees and attend the AGM in Torquay. A frantic drive by Director of Football Dave Malone saw him arrive just in time with the relevant papers and bank draft! As a result, our neighbours, Peters field Town, were moved out of Division 1 South and West to accommodate City and placed in the Central Division!

CLUB HISTORY City's first season back in the Southern League was a success with them reaching the play-offs final losing to Banbury United in the quarter finals, who were promoted and coming within minutes of winning the Hampshire Senior Cup losing on penalties to Havant and Waterlooville. City's preparation for this season were disrupted by the unexpected resignation of Manager Paul Masters in the middle or pre-season friendlies. The Club quickly filled the vacancy by appointing Petersfield Town's Manager Ian Saunders to the post.

The club started the season brightly and made it to the fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, beating US Portsmouth, Street and Truro City before finally succumbing to Harrow Borough. The club also had a successful run in the FA Trophy, thanks to wins against Petersfield Town, Fleet Town and Phoenix Sports before getting knocked out narrowly by Dulwich Hamlet. Craig Feeney and Howard Neighbour forced a strong strike partnership, added to that the midfield flair of Captain Stuart Green and winger, Andy Jenkinson, City recovered from a difficult spell before Christmas to mount a play-off push in the early stages of the New Year. Manager, Ian Saunders, went away with the military, and during this time, Mick Catlin stepped in to take over the running of the First-Team. When Saunders returned, form deteriorated and Saunders subsequently left the club and was replaced by Interim Manager, Craig Davis, who joined the club from Fleet Town. Davis took control of the club until the end of the season, when it was announced that he would officially be becoming Permanent First Team Manager.

‘Davo’ finished 11th with City in his first full season in charge, a season that saw a successful run, resulting in a Hampshire Senior Cup Semi-Final where City eventually lost to Blackfield & Langley. The Citizens also hosted Southampton FC in the Southampton Senior Cup and achieved memorable league victories against Didcot Town, Evesham United, Swindon Supermarine and Wimborne Town as well as impressive away draws at both Swindon Supermarine and Salisbury, the latter seeing City come from 2-0 down to salvage a point at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium.

In the 2018-19, City had an impressive pre-season including victories over Dorchester Town and Eastleigh. City started strongly in the league too. This went hand-in-hand with a cup run that saw the Citizens make it through to the 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, following victories against Bournemouth Poppies, Frome Town, Merthyr Town and Cirencester Town before eventually losing 4-1 away at Torquay United. City’s league form dipped slightly during this period but a strong finish to the season meant that City missed out on the play-offs on the last day of the season. City needed three points away at Cinderford Town, but the game finished 0-0 meaning it was in fact Cinderford that finished in the final play-off berth.

Tyrell Mitford, Joe Cook and Josh Harfield left the club during the 2019-20 pre-season and into the club have come Kieran Douglas, Keith Emmerson, Olly Balmer and Dan Williamson has returned to City. City performed well during the 2019-20 campaign and were 4th in the league with a play-off berth looking likely when the season was curtailed due to Covid-19. City made the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup before losing to Taunton Town but impressive cup runs in the local competitions took place once again. City were also League Cup semi-finalists, securing £1000 prize money for doing so.

A belated pre-season campaign took place in August 2020 with away wins at Bedfont Sports, Hartley Wintney and Marlow FC. Tyrell Mitford has returned to the club along with Josh McCormick and new faces Graeme Purdy, Jack Wilson, Felix Davies, Charlie Philpott, Josh Davies and Kel Akpobire have all joined the club.

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