Wimborne produced a sensational storming second-half performance to overturn a two goal deficit with Cam Munn scoring a perfect hat-trick and Billy Walker getting on the score-sheet.

With both teams missing key players, it was Winchester who made the brighter start on the 3G surface which suited both sides. Unfortunately, Drew Eccott-Young had to be stretchered off after making a challenge on 11 minutes. Following a lengthy delay, Ashton rose highest to glance home a well-flighted free-kick from the left of the penalty area to give the hosts the lead.

Wimborne came roaring back to have 11 attempts on goal in the first-half: Matty Burrows tricked his way to the by-line for his pull-back to initiate an almighty scramble; Jez Bedford did likewise from Cam Munn’s through ball; Bedford won the ball in midfield, picked out Harvey Wright whose shot was deflected for a corner; Will Fletcher had a shot blocked; Munn’s curler forced a diving save from Cairney; Burrows came in from the wing to have his shot blocked; Josh Carmichael fired from distance. It was fast, furious, and at times feisty football – but, boy, was it exciting!

However, Winchester looked dangerous on the counter-attack, and in the first minute of the nine added-on at the end of the first period, Caborn was set free on the right, he passed inside for Chalwell to finish clinically to double The Citizens’ advantage. It was harsh on the visitors, but they kept going forwards, and five minutes later they were rewarded. Cam Munn picked up a loose cross-field ball and from the right of the “D” fired past Cairney – it was a cracking strike. Two-one – game on!

Wimborne charged out of the blocks after the interval, and immediately took control of the game. They won first balls, second balls, just about every ball. They were irresistible, and took just seven minutes to get back on level terms. A header from a mass of bodies from Matt Neale’s free-kick was blocked on the line only for Billy Walker to react quickest and smash the ball home from two yards.

Wimborne mounted wave after wave of attacks, and everyone was involved: Sam Jackson’s cross forced a defensive header; Harvey Wright’s pass played Munn through in the inside-right channel but his chipped finish was too strong; Burrows was inches away from Fletcher’s low cross; and then on the hour mark they took the lead. It started with Sam Roberts’ lofted diagonal which Fletcher played into Munn’s path, and the young striker rolled the ball into the net. The only surprise of the half was that we had to wait until the eighty-sixth minute for The Magpies to score again. It came from a free-kick which Jackson headed across goal for Munn to head home from close range.

Before then Fletcher bravely headed Neale’s free-kick across goal for Walker to head over; Burrows flashed a ball across the goal area; Jackson charged down the left wing, and when his cross was blocked he re-claimed the ball and set-up Burrows for a shot which went wide; Munn chased back to dispossess City in midfield; Fletcher gave a master-class in big centre-forward play; Bedford harried and scurried to come away with the ball to cheers from the Wimborne supporters; Neale drove forward with real purpose; Carmichael was majestic as he patrolled in front of his back-line; behind him Wright, Roberts, Walker and Jackson were in imperious form – the home side rarely arrived in the final third, and were restricted to just one goal attempt in the half – a weak header deep into the five minutes added-on which trickled into Ross Flitney’s hands.

For your reporter, the second-half was probably the best I’ve ever seen a Wimborne team play – they were that good. But don’t just take my words for it. In his post-match interview, Craig Davis, Winchester’s manager said: “They ran all over us in the second-half, they were really good. Fletcher won them the game.” But it wasn’t just Will, the whole team gave at least 8 out of 10 performances. The Magpies were masterful and magnificent. The only downside was the injury to Drew – we wish him a speedy recovery.

Wimborne: Flitney, Eccott-Young (Walker 14), Roberts, Wright, Jackson, Carmichael, Neale, Bedford (Chipangura 90+2), Burrows (Cocklin 85), Munn (Scorey 87), Fletcher

Unused sub: Mdlalose

Attendance: 189

Match stats: