THERE was no room for sentiment as a trio of ex-Alresford Town players scored on their old hunting ground for Winchester City on Saturday.

Zach Glasspool, Stuart Green and Warren Bentley ganged up on their former club as Winchester twice came back from behind to run out 4-2 Sydenhams Premier winners – but only after a half-time dressing down from manager Paul Masters.

“We didn’t start very well and, to be fair to Alresford, they got about us a bit and passed the ball well,” admitted the City boss.

“We had a few words at half-time which I don’t really like doing these days, but on Saturday it needed to be done.”

Alresford sparked a lively first half by seizing a second-minute lead – Dan Fox powering home a header off the upright from Tom Donaldson’s left-wing cross.

Winchester equalised midway through the opening period when Glasspool broke the Alresford offside trap to level with a well-taken goal.

Five minutes before the break Alresford were back in front. Sam Carter flighted an inch-perfect free-kick into the City area and Andy Turner ran in to power a header into the roof of the net.

But the Magpies’ lead did not last long.

Soon after Glasspool had wasted a good chance, City restored parity – a goalmouth scramble from a scuffed free kick culminating in Bentley hitting the upright and Stuart Green tapping in the rebound.

“Us equalising just before half-time changed the game and we went on to win quite comfortably,” said Masters. “But sometimes you’ve got to give respect to other side and Alresford played really well first half and were well worthy of going in 2-2 or even leading at that stage. But we came out second half and proved what a good side we are.”

With Masters’ half-time thoughts still ringing in their ears, Winchester took the lead for the first time soon after the break - Taz Roberts the architect as fit-again top scorer Bentley made it 3-2 to the visitors.

For an hour it remained an evenly contested affair but, as the game wore on, Alresford visibly tired.

The Magpies had strong appeals for a penalty turned down when a powerful Ben Stanbrook shot appeared to strike a Winchester arm.

City wrapped it up when substitute Chris Mason came off the bench to score with a 70th-minute header from Bentley’s left-wing cross.

On Saturday it will be Masters’ turn to face familiar foe when his old club Folland Sports come calling for an intriguing fifth-versus-sixth encounter.