MANAGER Ian Saunders admitted Winchester City were more disappointed than they thought they would be following yesterday's slender FA Trophy defeat by Dulwich Hamlet.

It was always going to be a tall order to beat a side sitting fifth in the Ryman Premier Division and defeated just once in their ten away league games.

But the 1-0 scoreline illustrated just how close City were to matching their pedigree visitors in their first ever third qualifying round appearance.

A sizeable travelling contingent swelled the crowd to 319 and Dulwich struck gold in the 27th minute when Danny Carr’s effort was tipped around the post by City 'keeper Lewis Noice. From the resulting corner, Nathan Green headed home.

Hamlet had started the brighter with Noice bought to his knees by an effort from Ibra Sekajja and saving a free kick from ex-Eastleigh favourite Ashley Carew.

However, Winchester grew into the game with Craig Feeney’s shot clearing the bar and Howard Neighbour heading just over from a free kick.

Defender Matt Drage later made an important block to keep out Feeney, while in the latter stages of the first half Noice thwarted efforts from Vas Karagiannis and Dulwich goalkeeper Preston Edwards denied Neighbour.

Winchester forced Hamlet to defend deeply at times after the break, but with Drage and Michael Chambers forming a solid centre-back pairing, 'keeper Edwards was well protected.

City, though, had one great chance to equalise in the 89th minute, but Feeney couldn’t get his free header on target.

“Dulwich are a good side with quality all round, but we’re more disappointed than we thought we’d be - that’s how close we were,” said Saunders.

“We gave them a bit too much respect first half, although we still had a couple of chances, and we made a slight tweak to our shape second half and did well.

“If we can replicate that performance in the league, I’m sure we’ll start climbing it quickly.

“I was very proud of the team, everyone at the club was. It’s just a shame we’ve got nothing to show for it.

“But we can go to Salisbury (in the Southern One South & West) on Tuesday full of confidence. We’ve already beaten them in the league and I’d like to get our first double of the season.”

Defender Jamie Ford returns from suspension, but Dan Simmonds and Jason Silver are still out and experienced midfielder Danny Smith limped off yesterday with a calf tweak.

*FORMER Eastleigh and Winchester City marksman Chris Flood fired 2014 finalists Gosport Borough into tomorrow's FA Trophy first round draw.

Flood’s first-half strike was the standout moment of an otherwise dull game as Borough triumphed 1-0 at Hungerford Town.

The 'El Jurassico' derby ended 1-1 between Poole Town and Weymouth.

National League South favourites Poole looked to be heading out of the competition as they still trailed to a Dean Evans goal heading into stoppage time.

But Lewis Lindsay stroked in a late equaliser and the Dolphins so nearly won it when Sam Surridge hit the bar with a free kick and Luke Burbidge was ruled offside as he netted the follow-up.

The replay is on Tuesday at Weymouth’s Bob Lucas Stadium (Tuesday, 7.45pm).

Ryman Premier leaders Havant & Waterlooville crashed out 3-1 at home to Harlow Town – the Hawks handicapped by having striker Jason Prior sent off in the 42nd-minute.

Alfie Rutherford pulled H&W back to 2-1 following goals from Harlow’s Layne Eadie and Leon Antoine, but Alex Read finished them off.