Winchester City manager Paul Masters admits that the “penny is dropping” after the crucial 4-0 Sydenhams Premier Division win over fellow frontrunners Moneyfields at the Denplan City Ground.

Liam Robinson netted a brace while Luke Dempsey and Warren Bentley struck a goal each as City, who have two games in hand, closed the gap to three points in the Wessex Premier between them and second-placed Moneys, who played for more than an hour with ten men.

Masters has recognised that his side are starting to understand what is expected of them after they secured a fourth win in a row – a run which has yielded 20 goals.

The performance against Moneyfields summed up their progress, according to the manager.

“I’m confident if we’re on it like we were tonight then we will beat any side,” he said.

“The lads are learning now that they need to put that sort of application into every game.

“When we do, people can’t live with us.

“We’re making sure the penny is dropping and we go about each game in the same way.”

A bumper crowd of 462 at the Denplan was certainly entertained but, at times, City’s clash with Moneys threatened to boil over with hard, sometimes wild, challenges flying in.

It was marred by a high tackle by Moneys’ Conor Bailey on Micky Hubbard which left the City player writhing in pain and the visitors down to ten men with 30 minutes played.

“We’ve played two games in three days against two physical sides,” said Masters, analysing the performance.

“We did well second half and deserved to win.

“To be fair to Moneyfields they’re a good, physical side ... they play football the right way.

“We knew we had to compete with them. We did and as the game went on we ground it out.

“I thought we probably deserved to win by more if I’m honest.

“The sending off made a difference but I think we would have ground them down anyway.

“We couldn’t afford to lose the game because there would be a massive gap between us and Moneyfields and (leaders) Petersfield.”

Winchester attracted a big crowd for the match thanks to reduced ticket prices – a move which Masters hailed.

“It’s great for the club,” he said. “The club laid on cheap admission and it shows there is support around the city.

“If we can get the right players and push on up through the leagues we will attract far bigger crowds.”

Winchester continue their tough run of League games this Saturday when they travel to Blackfield & Langley.