DIRECTOR of football Dave Malone says an away tie against Harrow Borough is a “reasonable” draw for Winchester City in the FA Cup third qualifying round.

Borough ply their trade a level higher than the Citizens in the Ryman Premier Division but, like City, they are labouring in the league.

Harrow sit 17th, while Ian Saunders’ Winchester are 20th in the Southern One South & West.

City, though, looked anything but strugglers in Saturday’s 4-0 home romp over National League South outfit Truro and, if they drum up a similar performance on Saturday week (October 1), things could get interesting.

“It’s a reasonable draw. It could be better, but it could be a lot worse,” said Malone.

“We’re playing a higher league team, which is no surprise at this stage. It all depends which Winchester side turns up.

“Harrow's league position suggests they’re not a team to fear, but they must have some decent players to be at that level.

“We’ve not started the season well but Saturday was the first time that side had played together. We made four changes from the week before and the players who came in were better than the ones who’d played against Hereford in the league, so that makes a difference.”

Winchester host Blackfield & Langley in the Hampshire FA Senior Cup on Wednesday (7.45pm).

Blackfield still top the Sydenhams Premier, but waved goodbye to their 100 per cent league record on Saturday, held 1-1 at home by Newport IoW.

Having tumbled into arrears when Josh Younie scored, the Watersiders levelled through Liam Robinson but were kicking themselves when player/coach Tim Sills missed a late penalty.

Blackfield lead on goal difference from Moneyfields who eclipsed Amesbury Town 4-2. Steve Hutchings returned from injury/suspension to net Moneys’ opener before Gary Austin (2) and Dan Woodward struck.

Meanwhile, AFC Portchester's FA Cup journey ended with a 2-0 defeat by Merthyr Town. The Welshmen have been drawn away to ex-Eastleigh boss Richard Hill’s Whitehawk on October 1, while Havant & Waterlooville head to Ebbsfleet United.