Winchester MP, Mark Oaten, joined the city's ambitious football team for a training session, as the club prepared for its biggest match of the season.

Two days later they won through to the last 16 of the national FA Vase competition.

Mr Oaten, an avid footie fan, said he was "absolutely exhausted" after playing with the team, currently topping the Hampshire Premier League by seven points.

He also talked to the club's director of football, David Malone, who hopes to expand its ground in Hillier Way, Abbotts Barton. Mr Malone wants to put up a new stand and community building on the site, to provide seating for up to 500 fans.

Currently, the club can only seat 150 spectators.

The MP said he had received the plans, yet to be submitted to the city council, but declined to comment until he had read them.