Young guns given run-out

9:31am Thursday 24th April 2008

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Hillingdon 2 Winchester City 0.

City's last away match of the season was something of an anti-climax as nothing hung on the result and both teams fielded experimental sides.

City boss Andy Leader was keen to look at some of the reserves and Hillingdon rested players ahead of the Southern League cup final.

The meagre crowd of 69 probably reflected the lack of interest in the match.

gIt was a bit of a low-key affair and the better side won, but playing some of our reserves was definitely worth doing,h said Leader.

City had a let off in the first minute when Andy Smallpiece was forced into a save, pushing the ball over the bar from a defensive header.

Martin Rogers, making his first team City debut, then did well to win the ball on the edge of the box, but his shot was wide.

An accurate cross by Dave Allen just eluded Steve Llewelyn, who was in a good shooting position for City.

The home side took the lead in the 21st minute when Mark Kirby headed home a corner at the near post.

At the other end, James OfKeeffe headed across goal but unfortunately the ball ran on and Richard Gregory was unable to control it before it crossed the touchline.

Liam Gilbert set up another chance for City, but again the ball beat Gregory into touch.

The visitors started the second half strongly and Allen was just beaten to a cross by the Hillingdon keeper when well placed.

Neither side really looked dangerous in front of goal and, after 58 minutes, Leader made a triple substitution to allow three more of his youngsters a taste of Southern League football.

Gregeory, OfKeeffe and Andy Jacob came off to be replaced by Ross Diaper, TJ McClory-Cuthbertson and Nathan Miles.

McClory-Cuthertson shot over the bar almost immediately and then Allen put a header over from a free kick, as City sought the equaliser.

With time running out, Hillingdon sewed up the points.

George Mapes hit the foot of the post and Lawrence pounced on the clearance to shoot home across Smallpiece for a fine individual effort.

Just after, City lost the services of Rogers, who limped off after being fouled and, although he returned, he was a passenger for the last ten minutes.

Just before the final whistle, City had the chance to cut the lead, when Allen controlled the ball and slipped a pass to McClory-Cuthbertson, but he shot wide.

WINCHESTER CITY: Andrew Smallpiece, James Wilson, Adam Lang, Liam Gilbert, James Eyles, Steve Llewelyn, Richard Gregory, Dave Allen, Martin Rogers, James OfKeefe, Andy Jacob. Substitutes: Ross Diaper (58), Nathan Miles, Warren Bentley (58), Ross Diaper (58).

This Saturday, City complete their season at home to Newport and immediately following the match the awards for the season will be made.