Petersfield Town 2 - 2 Win City aet. (3 - 2 PENS)
Fielding a side with nine changes from the squad that played Petersfield in the league only four days previously the 'new' Winchester side put up a tremendous fight in the Quarter Final of the Wessex League Cup at Love Lane on Tuedsay 27th January 2015 only bowing out in a penalty shoot-out.
City started well and throughout the match allowed Petersfield no space to play football. At times they were under severe pressure but played as a solid team despite the fact that most of them had never played a first team match.
The first chance came early in the game when Chris Mason had a free kick well saved by the Petersfield 'keeper, Matt Shortt who had frustrated them in the league match a few days previously.
City created another chance when Liam Robinson put a header straight at the 'keeper. At the other end the young City goalkeeper, Nick Courtney showed his form, punching out from a crowded penalty area.
It looked as if City would score when Robinson broke through on his own. A defender ran to meet him and managed to get a leg to the ball which fortunately rebounded to Robinson who shot, only to see the ball rebound off the 'keeper' and cleared.
Although Petersfield had most of the play the City defence of Michael Miles, Callum Casson, Dominic Cope and Darren Nicholson held firm and midfield of Jamie Thoroughgood and Stuart Green used all their experience to feed the flanks where Dan Bapty and Dan Spreadbury caused havoc with their runs.
Rather against the run of play City took the lead in the 42nd minute when a cross from Casson found Mason and his powerful shot took a deflection and left the 'keeper stranded.
It took Petersfield only two minutes to haul themselves level in the second half when City conceded a penalty. Courtney was given no chance with the spot kick.
City came back strongly and Mason slipped the ball to Miller who had his shot tipped over the bar.
With an hour gone the Manager withdrew Bapty to be replaced Rian Otero to give the game a new twist. The move seemed to give City a boost and Miller put in another header on goal and Robinson had another good shot blocked.
At the other end Courtney pulled off a flying save at his near post.
With time running out City thought they had won the game in the 84th minute when Robinson put in another shot which appeared to brush a defender and spin away from the 'keeper and over the line.
Petersfield piled on the pressure and the game was broken up by another change by City with Green coming off to be replaced by Dean Smith (87th). Eventually however, Petersfield got back in the game with a headed goal in the 90th minute. The Referee blew the final whistle as soon as City had kicked off.
The first half of extra time belonged to City and Robinson could have won the game when he was again faced by the 'keeper in a one to one situation and although he beat him with the shot, the ball clipped the 'keeper's feet and rolled wide.
The second half belonged to Petersfield but City played magnificently to keep them out.
At the end of extra time the dreaded penalty shoot-out came int into play. Courtney saved the first Petersfield penalty and City went one up with their first. Unfortunately City missed two more and the Petersfield 'keeper saved one to give his side a 3-2 victory.
City: Nick Courtney, Michael Miller, Callum Casson, Dominic Cope, Darren Nicholson, Jamie Thoroughgood, Dan Bapty, Stuart Green, Liam Robinson, Chris Mason, Dan Spreadbury, Lee hayes, Dean Smith and Rian Otero.
