After an even opening, it was the visitors who took a fifteen minute lead, as Jordan Ricketts’ incisive pass inside the full back sent Reeko Best clear and he calmly slotted home.
After Rovers’ on loan keeper, Kieran Hodges, made a fine save from Andrew Jenkinson’s free kick, he was beaten on 26 minutes as a simple ball through the middle left Craig Feeney clear and he duly equalised.
Right on the stroke of half-time, Rovers were reduced to ten men as Ricketts was shown a straight red card for a two footed challenge.
Not surprisingly, the hosts began the second half strongly, but a quick break from Rovers on 57 minutes saw Jake Mawford upended in the box, and he got up to fire the visitors ahead.
The lead lasted just four minutes as Joe Briggs’ cross from the left was turned home by Howard Neighbour.
Rovers brought about their own downfall when on 83 minutes Elliott Keitghley tried to shepherd the ball out of play for a goal kick, only to be dispossessed by Feeney, who crossed to give Briggs an easy finish.
The visitors created a couple of half chances in the brief time remaining, but Winchester were worthy winners in the end.
Star Man: Craig Feeney (City)
The First team are away to AFC Totton on Saturday, kick-off at 3 p.m. Rovers play Salisbury at Winterfield Road on Tuesday, 20th December, kick-off at 7.30 p.m. with free
admission for the rearranged game. A collection will be taken at the match for the Dorothy House Hospice in memory of Jeff Mountjoy.
The Sunday XI play their first game in nearly a month, away to GT Sports, kick-off at 10.30 a.m.
The Youth team moved top of the Somerset Floodlit league, with a 3–2 home win over Brislington last Thursday and made the reverse trip to Brislington on Wednesday. Next Thursday, 22nd December, they are home to Keynsham Town, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.
Tony Walsh