WINCHESTER City responded well after a heavy midweek defeat to champions Taunton, outclassing North Leigh 2-0 at the Simplyhealth City Ground in the Evo-Stik South West.
Rob Carr’s first-half set-piece and a poacher’s finish from Oli Bailey - now on 21 for the season – were enough to seal the points on an afternoon when Winchester could have scored several more.
Early on Ryan Pryce in the Winchester goal made a good save from Josh Thomas.
However, City took the lead in the 25th minute when Carr scored with a superbly struck free-kick.
Bailey was put through, but North Leigh goalkeeper Ross Grimshaw made a good save to deny him, and then Carr set up Dan Williamson, playing on the right hand side of midfield, but his effort was blocked.
Winchester also had a possible penalty turned down when they felt Bailey had been pushed.
The Citizens mainly dominated the second half, although Declan Sheppard forced a save from Pryce.
Carr had a shot saved, Williamson had one tipped over, Liam Gilbert fired wide and Bailey also went close.
However, all the time they were only one goal ahead, there was always a danger that North Leigh could snatch an equaliser on the break.
Bailey, though, finally made the points safe in the 86th minute, scoring with a well-executed lob.
City’s player-boss Craig Davis summed up: “All in all, it was a good result and a very decent display at times.
"Given the circumstances of a heavy loss (to Taunton) and being a bit down after the play-off dream slipped by, to see the lads battle and work hard for the victory shows the character of them and I’m delighted with them.”
Winchester conclude the season with a home game against Cirencester on Tuesday (7.45pm) and a trip to Bideford on Saturday.
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