WINCHESTER City boss Craig Davis was relieved to see striker Oli Bailey and defender Josh Harfield come safely through last night's representative match at Melksham.

The Citizens’ duo were honoured to be part of Paul Fairclough’s FA XI that drew 2-2 in the Western League’s 125th anniversary game.

Davis was among the spectators and kept a cautious eye on Bailey who had limped off with an ankle problem in the FA Trophy defeat at Kidlington last weekend.

With high-riding Bristol Manor Farm due to visit the Simplyhealth City Ground on Saturday (3pm) in the Evo-Stik South West, the last thing Davis needed was to lose either player to injury.

But he was happy to report: “Oli was carrying a knock, but he got through with no issues.

“He played the first 45 minutes at Melksham and then went on again for the last 15.

“Josh went on at half-time when the FA side were 2-0 down, so he didn’t do too badly second half.

“I was proud of them both and proud to be there with them – and equally proud to get them home safe and sound!”

City do, however, have three absentees for Saturday’s tasty fourth-versus-second encounter.

Adam Tomasso is suspended after being sent off at Kidlington, while Jamie Barron and Andy Jenkinson are unavailable.

That opens the door for new midfield signing Liam Gilbert from Andover Town to step in for his debut. Another recent arrival, dual-signed Poole Town defender/midfielder Joe Cook, is also in the squad.

Manor Farm have fared well since being promoted as last season’s Western League champions, winning six and drawing one of their opening nine Southern League games.

That comes as no great surprise to Davis, whose City side sit a point behind The Farm with a game in hand.

“They may be new to this level as a club, but not as players,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of talented players who won’t be fearful of coming to us.

“They’re the league’s top scorers (27 goals) but, equally, they’ve conceded quite a few (17), so hopefully we can stop them and score ourselves.”

*With Salisbury also exiting the FA Trophy, City’s forthcoming league game against the Whites has been switched from Tuesday, October 24 to Friday, October 27 (7.45pm) in the hope of attracting a bumper gate.

“It makes sense. It’ll be an interesting game and hopefully it will generate a big crowd,” said Davis.