Winchester CITY boss Neil Hards admits he is loath to part with striker Stuart Cannie and veteran defender Darren Powell.

Having been set the goal of defending the FA Vase and Sydenhams Wessex League/Cup titles, the last thing he wants is to lose depth from his squad.

But, in a week when Powell has been released and Cannie transfer-listed, Hards admitted: "It's one of the hardest jobs in football to tell players they're not wanted, but the decision is purely financial. We've cut our budget from last year and now we've got to get it down further.

"We haven't got the financial clout people think we have."

With Ian Mancey, Jamie Musselwhite and Jamie Laidlaw clicking instantly into the scoring groove, there has been little opportunity for Cannie to break into the side since signing from Bashley during the summer.

The same applies to the well-travelled former Wimborne defender Powell, who has been sidelined with injury.

Hards admitted: "Darren's been unfortunate with injuries and Stuart's unlucky that we've got three strikers who are all scoring goals and have pushed him down the pecking order.

"When you look at the way we beat Wimborne 5-0 on Saturday, how do I go about changing that?

"The players in the side at the moment all deserve to be there and, unfortunately for Darren and Stuart, we can't afford to have players being paid and playing in the reserves."

With Adam Rogers (ankle ligaments), Redwood (poison toe) and Kevin Brewster (twisted knee) still out for tonight's home game against Bournemouth Poppies, Winchester again include youth team graduates Paul Burnett and Eddie Whitehouse in their squad.

l Because of the funeral of club president Harry Mizen, Gosport Borough have been granted permission to postpone tonight's SWL clash with AFC Newbury.

l Bashley stick with an unchanged squad for tonight's Ryman Division 1 tester at home to championship-chasing Metropolitan Police.