Yate Town 0 - 0 Winchester City
Although Winchester City failed to score at Lodge Road, Yate, on Saturday 15th August, the most positive aspect of the game was that they did not concede one either.
Faced with two experienced centre backs, Matt Villis and Jamie Laird, City's prolific forward line was frustrated throughout the match. Two early half chances fell to Warren Bentley, one he mishit and the other went over the bar.
At the other end Brendon Norris, making his City debut, made a good save.
The best chance of the match fell to Zach Glasspool but unfortunately his shot was straight at the 'keeper from a cross by Dan Cann.
Defences on both sides dominated the match, City's Jake Newton and Danny King, looked a good paring at the back, both with the pace to come forward and Leigh Mills, Jamie Barron and Jamie Thoroughgood handled all Yate could throw at them.
Just before half time Yate could have taken the lead but a header drifted inches wide of the far post.
City started the second half strongly, Barron worked his way down the flank and crossed for Adam Roberts who put his shot the wrong side of the post. In the next move Bentley created a chance for Glasspool but the ball got tangled in his feet and he could only put in a weak shot.
Assistant Manager Paul Wiltshire made a change in the 65th minute, taking off Roberts for Geoff Dunn to try and add fresh legs to the attack. He had an immediate effect feeding Roberts whose shot was just wide.
In the 73rd minute Barron came off to be replaced by Matt Benham, also making his debut.
Dunn crossed for Bentley who forced the Yate 'keeper, Martin Horsell into a diving save and in the 85th minute Bentley appeared to have been pulled down in the penalty area but the Referee waved away his appeal.
At the death Newton hit a terrific shot from the edge of the penalty area but the ball swung wide.
City: Brendon Norris, Jake Newton, Danny King, Jamie Barron, Jamie Thoroughgood, Leigh Mills, Adam Roberts, George Short, Zach Glasspool, Warren Bentley, Dan Cann, Adam Tomasso, Rob Floks, Geoff Dunn, Micky Hubbard and Matt Benham.
Attendance 213
