WINCHESTER City have had to swallow a double dose of disappointment in the build-up to Saturday's FA Cup showdown with Truro in the second qualifying round.

But despite missing out on the signing of midfielder Neil Williams from AFC Totton and seeing centre-back Rob Flooks leave for Wessex outfit Alresford, manager Ian Saunders is hopeful his homework on Truro will pay dividends at the Denplan City Ground.

Winchester are clear underdogs in the Southern One v National South clash, but neither side has had the best of seasons so far.

The Citizens are languishing 20th in the South & West, while Truro reside 16th, albeit that Tuesday’s 0-0 home draw with Poole made it three games unbeaten for the Cornishmen.

It's a big ask for City to progress, but army man Saunders will have his troops fully clued up for the challenge - with a bit of help from his friends.

“I’m as well prepared as I can be," he said. "I’ve had a scouting report done on Truro from a couple friends down in Plymouth and Tom Killick at Poole has been very helpful and given me a decent rundown on them.

“Truro are two levels above us and I’m sure they’ll look at our league position and come here expecting to turn us over.

“But cup games are a welcome break from the league and we can genuinely go into this one feeling relaxed and able to express ourselves.

“We’re not expected to win, but I’ve got some lads here capable of playing at the next level. Jamie Brown should be back from injury and we’ll have Howard Neighbour and Taz Roberts back as well.

“If we can get a result, hopefully it'll help put us on the right track in the league.”

Saunders could not hide his disappointment about Flooks and Williams, but last week’s capture of defender Robbie Matthews from Salisbury and Combined Services midfielder Matt Evans has eased the pain.

With family and work commitments making Southern League travel difficult for Flooks, Winchester agreed to release him from contract.

“Circumstances mean he can’t play in the Southern League, which is where he should be,” said the boss.

“It’s a completely amicable split and I genuinely wish Rob all the best.”

As for Williams, Saunders was mystified to hear the “bombshell” news that he was staying with S&W rivals Totton.

“He told me that, due to a change in personal circumstances, he couldn’t commit to the Southern League and he would more than likely play Wessex football," he said. "If he stays at Totton I’ll be surprised after the reasons he gave me, but I wish him all the best.”