A NEW era at Winchester City FC started with a 5-1 home loss to Sutton United in the club’s opening pre-season friendly.

Mike McEnery, one of Winchester’s many new signings from Alresford Town, gave the hosts a half-time lead at The Denplan Stadium.

But ex-Salisbury City and Eastleigh striker Marvin Williams jumped off the bench to score twice as the three divisions higher visitors netted five times after the break.

Williams was also brought down by City keeper Jamie Collins for a penalty which Matt Lockwood converted for Sutton’s fifth goal.

Sutton boss Paul Doswell included a handful of players familiar to Hampshire non-league fans.

Marvin Brooks and ex-Saints academy midfielder Lloyd Foot were with Poole Town and Andover Town respectively last season, while midfielder Ricky Wellard has joined the exodus of players from crisis club Salisbury City.

New Winchester bosses Danny Robinson and Tim Cole have brought in many players who had played under them at Alresford.

Strikers Warren Bentley and Zac Glasspool were also given starts against Sutton, as was Chris Manning.