Guy Whittingham reckons AFC Newbury's 1-1 draw at table-topping Winchester City last night offers a message of hope to the rest of the Wessex League, writes Wendy Gee.

Inspired by some terrific keeping from former Harrow Borough man David Hook, Newbury proved that Neil Hards' title favourites are only human after all.

"It's a positive result for us and also for all the other teams who are chasing them," said former Pompey ace Whittingham.

"Winchester have quality players who play at a good pace and our keeper kept us in it in the first half.

"But in the second half we got to them. When your opponents start arguing among themselves, you know they are getting rattled and I don't think Winchester have been like that before.

"All credit to them, they came through it because they are a really good side but it does make you wonder if Andy Forbes isn't scoring, where they will get their goals from."

For the first time in his last 14 matches, City's marksman extraordinaire was not on the score sheet, although Forbes did play a part in the 16th-minute opener. His shot was parried by Hook and young Adam Rogers reacted first to fire home.

But for Hook, Kevin Brewster would have had a first half hat-trick - indeed, he was denied by the keeper twice in the opening 30 seconds.

On 52 minutes Forbes found the net from a Matthew Bicknell free-kick, but it was ruled out for offside and Newbury deservedly equalised ten minutes from time when Danny Mattingley drilled home a 25-yard free-kick.

"I still think Winchester will go on and win the league, but at least we can say to the other sides 'look, we have done our bit'," said Whittingham.

"I noticed in their programme that three of their next four games are against Lymington, Gosport and Totton, so that could be interesting."

Lymington host Winchester in this Saturday's match of the day with every promise of a goal feast at Fawcett's Field.

Ian Robinson's side, held 1-1 by Cowes Sports on Saturday, hit back with a vengeance last night to blow away Bemerton 5-0 in Wiltshire.

Ben Thomson, Peter Smith, Kevin Reacord, Kevin James and John Mulhern piled on the misery for Bemerton and delighted boss Robinson said: "They were all well-worked goals. We played some lovely football and have bounced back really well from the disappointment of Saturday."

"Now we have to see if we can match up to Winchester's credentials."