DIRECTOR of football Dave Malone paid Winchester City’s class off 2018/19 the ultimate compliment after yesterday's extraordinary 4-1 FA Cup victory at Merthyr Town.

Malone has overseen some special performances during his time as a Citizen – not least 2004’s FA Vase triumph.

But the win at Penydarren Park – settled by a Jamie Barron screamer and a Tyrell Mitford hat-trick - was up there with the very best.

“It was a brilliant day and probably ranks with any performance I’ve seen from a Winchester City side over the years,” said Malone.

“We went there with a patched-up side with loads of players missing and we thoroughly deserved to win.

"We had no Oli Bailey or Simba Mlambo and there were four or five others out. Our bench looked like a youth club!

“Merthyr played football as they do on their plastic pitch, but we matched them slug for slug, took our chances and defended heroically.

“It’s just a shame the coach broke down at their ground and we were stuck there until 8.30pm. We didn’t get home until 12.30am. 

"The only saving grace was that we won and we’re in the hat for the next round.”

Merthyr, who play a league up from Winchester in the Evo-Stik Premier South, had an early Adam Davies ‘goal’ chalked off for offside and then found themselves 2-0 down at the break as City took control.

Barron opened the scoring with a thumping 20-yarder before Mitford lobbed keeper Joe Perry just before the break.

The second half had barely got going when Mitford robbed defender Kyle Patten to put the Citizens 3-0 up.

Brett Cunningham hit the Merthyr bar before sub Lee Lucas gave the hosts hope with a speculative cross-shot on the hour.

But former QPR and Team Solent man Mitford had the last word, completing his hat-trick in the 73rd minute.

“Tyrell’s finishing is exemplary,” said Malone.

"His all-round game still has room for improvement, but he's as good as anyone I’ve seen taking one-on-ones and half chances.

"He’s got a good pedigree and he’ll get better...”