THERE’S nothing like a seven-goal victory to add some extra Christmas sparkle to a dazzling December.

Winchester City shone brightly last night as they swept Slimbridge aside 7-0 to climb to tenth in the Evo-Stik Southern One South & West.

Craig Feeney weighed in with four goals, taking his season’s tally to 24, as Ian Saunders’ troops continued a magnificent month that has delivered a full house of six victories – five of them in the league.

Before kick-off an impeccable minute’s silence was observed in memory of Sholing’s former City coach Darren Burdle, who tragically passed away earlier this week.

He would have approved of the performance that followed as free-scoring Winchester eased to within seven points of fifth-placed Salisbury with two games in hand.

Adam Tomasso got the ball rolling on 20 minutes, following up after young IK Hills had hit the post.

Feeney’s first and a trademark 25-yard Jamie Barron strike into the top corner made it 3-0 at half-time.

Form man Feeney added a quickfire second-half hat-trick between the 52nd and 67th minutes, leaving up-and-coming youngster Jack Hannam to pick out the bottom corner and send the Citizens into seventh heaven.

“It was pleasing to say the least,” smiled City boss Ian Saunders. "It was one of those nights when everything went for us.

“It was important because it put us on a positive goal difference for the first time this season and it’s moved us up to tenth.

“Keeping a clean sheet was a positive and the young players played their part. IK Hill got another start, while Jack Hannam scored his first goal for the club.”

Next up for City is a home game against Wimborne Town on Tuesday (December 27, 3pm) but, before that, Army man Saunders will relish a well-deserved festive break.

“You always look forward to the next game, but it’s been a hectic time with six games already in December, so I’m looking forward to a couple of days’ rest,” he said.

"Last night was a double whammy for me because my other team, Plymouth Argyle, beat Newport County in the FA Cup and now go to Liverpool!"