GRAHAM Kemp felt Winchester City “proved a few doubters wrong” with their 2-1 Sydenhams Premier win at Moneyfields on Saturday.

After back-to-back defeats against Sholing in the league and Folland Sports in the Hampshire Senior Cup, City’s critics would have had a field day if they hadn’t stopped the rot at Dover Road.

The signs looked ominous when, with his side trailing to a Jack Raine goal, City’s Chris Flood hit the post with a penalty awarded for a foul on Leigh Mills.

But Kemp’s men responded well in the second half with Liam Robinson first setting up Russell Cook to fire home and then bursting through himself to net the winner.

“I’m not saying the Follands defeat wasn’t a bad result, but in our last four league games we’ve lost to (title favourites) Sholing and beaten Bemerton and Moneyfields away,” said Kemp.

“It’s not all hunky-dory, but the lads showed a lot of character on Saturday after losing two games and proved a few of the doubters wrong.”

Kemp took 19-year-old goalkeeper Ross Casey out of the firing line and handed a debut to the experienced Stewart Kearn, who recently quit as Bashley co-boss.

“Stewart’s a bit rusty, but his talking’s the main difference,” said Kemp. “He’s come in as a settling influence to calm things down.

“The door’s not closed on Ross. He’s got a good head on young shoulders and understands he must bide his time.” City have lodged notice of approach for former Blackfield & Langley midfielder Jake Rowley at Bournemouth Poppies.