WINCHESTER City turned in what manager Craig Davis described as a “seriously impressive performance” to cane higher-league Dorchester Town 5-1 in last night’s pre-season friendly.

The Citizens welcomed Jamie Barron and newly-married Rob Carr back into the ranks and, having weathered an early storm from the Dorset visitors, hit back in style.

Winchester were 3-0 up by the break courtesy of two-goal Barron – the second a penalty after tricky, little customer Oli Bailey had been brought down - and one from Bailey himself.

But the first half had to be cut short by ten minutes when Dorchester’s Harry Kite was knocked unconscious in a 50-50 challenge with defender Joe Cook, who has rejoined the Citizens from Weymouth. An ambulance was called and Kite was taken to hospital with concussion.

The interruption temporarily stopped City’s flow as the Magpies clawed back to 3-1 through Sean Stewart.

But Winchester were soon in the ascendancy again with Simba Mlambo’s header making it 4-1 before summer signing Matty Andrews from Fareham Town put the cherry on the cake.

“As always there’s no point going overboard, positively or negatively, about results in pre-season,” said Davis afterwards.

“However, performances are key and tonight we saw a lot of what we have worked on, which pleased myself and Macca (assistant John McFarlane) impressively."

McFarlane has taken over as Davis’s No2 with last season’s assistant Barry Blankley busy with scouting commitments elsewhere.

Dorchester’s neighbours and Southern Premier rivals Weymouth are next up at Simplyhealth City Ground on Saturday (3pm).

Winchester's Evo-Stik Division One South rivals AFC Totton are also in action on Saturday.

Louis Langdown's men will host Birmingham City's Under-23s at the Testwood Stadium (3pm).

The match will be played in memory of former Stags chairman Andy Straker who passed away earlier this year. A charity collection will be made on the day.

Evo-Stik Division One newcomers Blackfield & Langley continue their pre-season build-up at Wimborne Town tomorrow (Friday, 7.45pm).

Defender Adam Tomasso, who left Winchester City for Blackfield earlier this summer, has joined Sydenhams Premier outfit Alresford Town on a dual registration.

Alresford, who kick off the new league campaign at Portland United on Saturday, have also dual-signed striker Ryan Green from Sutton United.