MAN-OF-THE-MOMENT Warren Bentley hit a hat-trick to fire Winchester City through to FA Trophy first qualifying round at Petersfield Town yesterday.

The 25-year-old striker – who has been watched by Luton Town and was subject of a £5,000 bid by National League South outfit Gosport Borough last week – struck in the 37th, 39th and 55th minutes as Winchester emerged 3-1 winners against the side that beat them to the Sydenhams Premier title last term.

Gosport boss Alex Pike told local Portsmouth press last week that he was turning his attention elsewhere after having his bid for Bentley – scorer of 21 goals already this season - rejected.

But his suggestion that it was City who scuppered the move by initially asking for £5,000 and then putting the price up dismayed Winchester boss Paul Masters.

He said: “I’m disappointed with what Alex put in the paper. I don’t think he needed to say that.

“Gosport had interest in Warren at the beginning of the season but decided to go elsewhere with (ex-Saint) Jamie White.

“I discussed it with Warren when they came back in for him and he felt it wasn't the right time to go.

“To say we turned down their offer is not strictly true. There’s no one standing in Warren’s way and no lack of ambition from the player. Warren himself didn’t think it was the right move at this moment in time.”

Winchester, who have also received notice of approach from Sydenhams Premier outfit AFC Portchester for forward Geoff Dunn, got off to a slow start at Petersfield but dominated the latter stages of the first half. Bentley struck twice, the first from the penalty spot after Adam Tomasso had been brought down.

City were handicapped when Adam Roberts was sent off, but Bentley struck again with a sublime volley, leaving Petersfield the scant consolation of a late Jordan Neal goal.

“It shows you where we’re at at the moment,” said Masters. “We’re a progressive club and the boys are doing well.

“They’d had a tough week after losing the FA Cup replay at Maidenhead and I was a bit worried how we’d react. We were still without Jake Newton and we gave Micky Hubbard and Zach Glasspool a rest, but we came through it well.”

Winchester now entertain Southern Premier outfit Weymouth on October 31.