Luke Cairney became one of the few goalkeepers to score in successive games when for the second game in a row he scored from the penalty spot to earn his side a point in a home fixture. The draw moved Winchester out of the relegation zone and to add spice to Cairney's achievement both penalties were scored against clubs he had previously played for.
It was the second time in three league games between the clubs that Winchester had come from 2-0 behind to earn a point and having three times this season failed to win games after going two goals ahead the fight back had a bit of role reversal about it.
Winchester had already beaten Hungerford in the F A Cup this season, but since then Hungerford has had some good results since then beating Plymouth Parkway 9-3 in the league and Sholing 3-1 in the F A Trophy.
Winchester City announced an unchanged starting line-up from Tuesday. Siphesie Melaiose made his first appearance of the season on the Winchester substitutes bench which also included Simba Mlambo, Harry Nevins, Ollie Balmer and Mark Jamison.
Although Trevor Caborn had a chance early on for Winchester, Hungerford had probably the better of the early exchanges with the pace of Jacob Bancroft on the wing always being a threat and it required some good blocks by the Winchester defence to keep them out. The visitors went 1-0 up in the 13th minute when a corner from their captain Louis McGrory was headed home by Baboucar Jarra. Soon after falling one goal behind, Winchester had a further setback when Dan Bartlett injured his shoulder and had to be carried off on a stretcher. It was tough for Bartlett who had only recently returned from injury. Bartlett was replaced by Ollie Balmer.
After play resumed following the injury, Callum Buckley made a goal line clearance to deny Jacob Bancroft at the expense of a corner, while at the other end, Trevor Caborn hit the outside of the post. However, it became 2-0 in the 35th minute when Elis Watts followed up to score at close range after an initial shot from a Hungerford player was blocked.
There was a lively end to the first half which had eight minutes of added on time due to the injury. Firstly Luke Cairney made a good save to deny Bancroft who is clean through, and then Hungerford's Zidan Akers shot just wide. At the other end, Josh McCormick created a chance, but Ollie Balmer's effort was off-target.
Right on the stroke of half time Winchester pulled a goal back when following a corner after no Winchester player got a decisive touch to a Callum Buckley cross, Kieran Douglas headed home to ensure Winchester were only one goal behind at the interval.
Having had one player going off on a stretcher in the first half, Kieran Douglas became the second Winchester player to do so early in the second half and he was replaced by Harry Nevins who slotted into a defensive role. I K Hill had an off target effort, but Winchester drew level when Trevor Caborn was fouled and Cairney converted the resulting penalty.
After the equalizer, they came very much end to end with both teams having chances to win it and Cairney making some good saves to deny Hungerford substitute David Regula and Jacob Bancroft who remained a threat for the visitors. At the other end, Dan Jones had two attempts on goal, but neither effort was on target. However, the match eventually finished all square, with Winchester fighting back from two goals down and also having two players carried off injured during the contest.
After Tuesday's trip to Swindon Supermarine, Winchester is at home to Walton and Hersham on Saturday and at home to Gloucester City on the following Tuesday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here