FEAR won’t come into the equation when Winchester City host sleeping non-League giants Weymouth in the FA Trophy first qualifying round tomorrow evening (Friday, 7.45).

After turning in a solid performance to inflict a first home defeat on North Leigh in the Southern One South & West last night, City truly believe anything is possible.

“If we play like we can do, no one really frightens us. We’re at home and we’ll give it a right good go,” pledged manager Paul Masters.

“The pressure’s off from the league and it’s a good one to play in.”

Having defeated Banbury (4-0) and Bishops Cleeve (4-1) on home soil, City would gladly have settled for a point at North Leigh.

But having battened down the hatches for the first 30 minutes, their phenomenal firepower told as Zach Glasspool and Warren Bentley – his 26th goal in 15 games - sealed the points.

“Knowing what North Leigh are like at home, we changed the way we played a bit and tried to stay in the game as long as possible,” Masters explained.

“I said if we could stay strong we’d got the firepower to go and win it and that’s what happened.

“It’s not just about the front lads. Adam Tomasso played in midfield alongside Jamie Barron and our back four of Leigh Mills, Rob Flooks, Jamie Thoroughgood and Danny King were really strong and allowed the front players to do what they’re good at.

“There's a big slope at North Leigh and they put us under pressure for a good 30 minutes of the first half. But we came into it for the last 15 and Zach finished off a great team move before Warren nicked it for us right at the end.”

With a Monday league trip to Burnham following tomorrow's game, Winchester are getting players back at just the right time.

Experienced defender Jake Newton, who has been out long-term with hamstring trouble, got ten minutes under his belt at North Leigh, Taz Roberts returns from suspension tomorrow and Micky Hubbard is available again. City are today in talks with towering former Sholing midfielder Lewis Fennemore who has verbally agreed to sign.

“North Leigh was a good test for us ahead of tonight,” said Masters. “We had to work hard off the ball to match them and that’s something we’ve got better at this season. They’re a great bunch of lads.”

While Bentley has not stopped scoring this term, the same cannot be said of Weymouth skipper and frontman Stewart Yetton.

But, after a lengthy goal drought, the Terras’ bearded battler has come good with two in as many games - including the equaliser in last night's 1-1 Southern Premier draw at Frome.

Weymouth player-boss Jason Matthews, a former Eastleigh goalkeeper, said: “It shuts a few critics up who were doubting him.

“I'd still back him to score 20 and to be in the top two or three in the scoring charts at the end of the season.”