CO-BOSS Danny Robinson has seen a new side of management at Winchester City – in charge of a team that everyone loves to beat.

Robinson and partner Tim Cole have savoured much success in recent seasons, inspiring their former charges Alresford Town to seven trophy wins and two Sydenhams Premier runners-up spots over the past three years.

Yet, with no budget or bold ambitions to speak of, the modest Magpies were never one of those clubs that others delighted in shooting down.

Winchester may only be seven miles away from Arlebury Park, but the landscape couldn’t be more different.

With ground improvements in place and a reasonable budget, the ambitious Citizens are desperate to reclaim the Southern League status they lost two seasons ago.

A good FA Vase run will be on the radar for the 2004 winners and, with ten places currently separating them from tomorrow’s all-Sydenhams FA Cup first qualifying round visitors Bemerton Heath Harlequins, hopes will be high of decent progress in that competition too.

Speaking after Tuesday’s 3-0 league win at Lymington Town, Robinson said: “Before it was ‘good old Alresford’, but because it’s Winchester, everyone wants to beat you. I know it’s a cliché, but every single game is a cup final for us.

“Everyone raises their game against us and it’s up to us to stand up to them.”

Bemerton have themselves been a Wessex force in recent years, but after losing some key players they find themselves fourth to bottom with seven points from eight league games.

They are, however, unbeaten in four league and cup outings.

“Bemerton are a bit up and down at the moment but they’ve got some experienced Wessex players and I notice Neil Williams has just gone back there from Blackfield,” said Robinson.

Winchester will welcome Adam ‘Taz’ Roberts back from ankle trouble, providing he has no reaction to this week’s reserve team run-out, and Robinson was pleased to see experienced former Eastleigh midfielder Liam Green get his first start at Lymington.

“Liam played on the left-hand side and was one of the best players on the park,” he said. “He’s a top professional, I can’t speak highly enough of him.”