Winchester City complete signing of Olly Searle before winning 2-1 at Larkhall

The Citizens had Matt Evans sent off for a second yellow card, but held strong for a 2-1 victory that lifts them back to eighth in the Southern South & West, seven points behind fifth-placed Salisbury with a game in hand.

With manager Ian Saunders away with work, his right-hand man Jason Hampson took charge of the City squad which featured a new face on the bench.

Another of Saunders’s old Petersfield Town charges, defender Olly Searle, has linked up again with his former boss.

Director of football Dave Malone said: “Olly was coveted by several clubs, but opted to be reunited with his old mentor and teammates here at the Denplan.”

City raced out of the blocks at Larkhall to seize a third-minute lead when Craig Feeney burst clear on the left and set up Howard Neighbour whose shot went in off the post.

Stuart Green, Feeney and Adam Roberts all had chances before Winchester doubled their advantage on 24 minutes with Feeney’s 29th goal of the season.

Joe Briggs’ through ball put the deadly marksman in on goal and Feeney expertly planted a low shot into the opposite corner.

City’s two-goal cushion did not last long, however. Jamie Lyons, who had earlier sent a free-kick narrowly wide, crossed for Ben Brooks to make it 2-1.

And it almost got worse for Winchester when James Stinson rounded goalkeeper Lewis Noice only to shoot wide of a gaping goal.

Although Roberts had a shot saved by the goalkeeper’s legs after the break, the Larks had most of the second-half chances without ever really threatening to score.

Even when Tidworth-based soldier Evans got his marching orders, Winchester comfortably managed to see out the game with new boy Searle and Jason Silver both going on as substitutes.

Winchester’s attentions now turn to Tuesday night’s (7.45pm) Hampshire FA Senior Cup quarter-final at Sydenhams Premier outfit Sholing.

Their next league action is at home to Bideford on Saturday (3pm).