WINCHESTER City have again proved to manager Ian Saunders that they are learning to hit back in the face of adversity.

When City caved in 4-0 to Tiverton eight days ago in the Southern One South & West, the boss was concerned that confidence drained out of the side the minute they conceded a goal.

But, having twice wiped out the arrears to clinch a 2-2 league draw at Wimborne last Monday, Winchester again displayed some 'bouncebackability' yesterday.

They fell behind to a Steve Murray goal at home to Western Premier outfit Street in the FA Cup first qualifying round, but quickly dug themselves out of a hole to emerge 4-2 winners.

Joe Briggs equalised, following up after Stuart Green’s parried shot had fallen into his path, and come half-time Winchester were 2-1 to the good thanks to Ross Bottomley’s diving header from Briggs’ free-kick.

Howard Neighbour was the first to react to a blocked cross to make it 3-1 and Craig Feeney became the fourth City name on the scoresheet after pouncing on loose pass.

Craig Herrod had the last word for Street, but it was City who banked the £3,000 prize money and a place in today’s second qualifying round draw.

“I was a little disappointed with the goal we conceded, but the response was real good,” reflected manager Saunders.

“I’d talked about us not being mentally good when we went behind, but we’re dealing with it better now.

“The rain made the pitch slippery and we got the ball down and played quite well.

“We could have gone 5-1 or 6-1 up if we’d been a bit more clinical.

“Stuart Green hit the bar and Briggs, Feeney and Taz Roberts all had good efforts.

“Street are a decent side and (ex-Taunton Town striker) Murray was always a threat to us. Unfortunately for him, he went off with a pulled hamstring and we wish him all the best. Their attacking threat almost dissipated once he’d gone off injured.”

“We’re through to the next round and fingers crossed for another home draw.”

Next up for City league-wise is a huge home test against leaders and hot title favourites Hereford on Saturday (September 10).