ANY doubts Winchester City had about playing Bracknell Town on their 3G surface quickly evaporated at Larges Lane.

The Citizens easily swept aside their Hellenic Premier Division hosts 4-0 to progress to the FA Cup first qualifying round.

Losing striker Oli Bailey to a first-half ankle injury was not in the game plan, but City overcame that setback to lead 2-0 at the break through Andy Jenkinson and the fleet-footed Rob Carr.

Carr’s pace eventually led to Bracknell’s left-back getting his marching orders and the second half belonged almost exclusively to City as defender Rob Flooks and frontman Pat Cox doubled their tally.

“It took us a while to get used to the 3G surface, but we’ve got good footballers so the win didn’t surprise me,” said City boss Craig Davis.

“We scored from a Jenks strike on the angle across the keeper and then a second from Rob Carr driving at the heart of defence like he does.

“The second half we were again in control and Rob terrorised their full-back into a second booking.

“We got a third from Flooksy, smashing the rebound home after his header was saved, and sealed a great day with Coxy finishing off a flowing move from Simba (Mlambo) and IK Hill.

“Our front four of Simba, Chalky (Ben White), Rob and Coxy created havoc. They all know each other’s games so well (from their Fleet Town days together).

“Oli Bailey got smashed in a tackle but hopefully he’ll be out for days/weeks rather than months.

“Bracknell were pretty physical and how Rob Carr came away uninjured I’ll never know.

“We’ve got a free week now to recuperate from our bumps, bruises, aches and pains before going to Larkhall (in the league) on Saturday.”