SKIPPER Warren Bentley was hurting after last night's Hampshire FA Senior Cup final defeat at St Mary’s.

But, fortunately for Winchester City fans, it was just a heavy heart that was ailing their 56-goal striker in the wake of Havant & Waterlooville’s 5-3 penalty shootout success.

Worryingly Bentley limped out of the action after 72 minutes, unable to continue after receiving treatment by the touchline in front of the Kingsland Stand.

Happily, though, it was nothing more than cramp for the little magician whose goals have helped fire City to within two points of a guaranteed Southern One South & West play-off place.

With sixth-placed Evesham beaten at Bishops Cleeve, it means victory at home to Larkhall Athletic on Saturday will secure City a top-five berth in their first season up from the Sydenhams League.

Uttering words that will be music to the City faithful's ears, Bentley said: “I’m not injured.”

But he added: “Ninety minutes of that intensity was difficult for the whole team and we were struggling in the last 20 minutes. I cramped up in both calves. I’d been trying to run it off, but I couldn’t.

“Havant (of the National League South) are a fit side and I thought for 60-70 minutes we held our own against them, but we couldn’t quite hold on for the last 20 minutes.

“Our squad’s a bit depleted and we didn’t have the options we usually have on the bench.

“We matched them for quality, but fitness told in the end.”

As the final entered its closing stages, it looked as if a fairytale was unfolding with City still clinging to a first-half lead from 36-year-old club scoring legend Andy Forbes, who had only come out of retirement over Easter.

Forbes was in like a shot after Hawks’ keeper Ryan Young had got a foot to Bentley’s initial effort.

“Forbesy reacted well for the goal,” said City’s new master marksman. “He was three yards behind the defenders when I looked up and he still got there first!”

Unfortunately for City they were missing three big players – Leigh Mills (work), Craig Feeney (cup-tied) and Matt Benham (injured) – and their lack of options finally cost them when Hawks' Dan Strugnell levelled 1-1 to take the game to penalties.

Havant proved deadly from the spot, sinking five out of five, but Bentley was convinced City should already have visited the penalty spot after he had been “wiped out” by ’keeper Young in the 58th minute.

“I’m guessing the ref didn’t see it,” he said. “The ball was running out of play and he’s made the decision not to give it, but there’s no question it was a penalty. I’ve almost been flipped over.

“Losing is hard to take, but hopefully we can put a good run together now heading for the play-offs.”