WINCHESTER City waved farewell to their 100 per cent start to the Evo-Stik Division One South season, but the positives far outweighed the negatives in yesterday's 2-2 home draw with in-form Melksham Town.

Craig Davis’s ‘comeback kings’ again fought their way out of a tricky position, battling back from two goals down to grab a share of the spoils.

“That’s three games out of four that we’ve come from behind to either win or draw,” said boss Craig Davis. “These lads don’t know when they’re beaten.”

Melksham raced 2-0 up inside 14 minutes as brace man Neikell Plummer caught City cold.

But Winch grew into the game and, having gone close through Tyrell Mitford and Reece Rusher, they pulled one back when defender Joe Cook headed home a 28th-minute corner.

Five minutes into the second half Simba Mlambo completed the fightback – just reward for an outstanding start to the season.

It was another spirited performance by City, and all the more pleasing considering main marksman Oli Bailey began a three-match ban.

“It’s tough to deal without Oli because he’s top-drawer, but we worked on a game plan and a lot of it came off, although the start killed us a bit,” reflected Davis.

"I definitely think Melsham are going to be a force. They've got a very, very good player in Jon Davies (ex-AFC Totton winger) who's well known round these parts. He's one of the best in the league."

On Tuesday (7.45pm) Winchester host Craig McAllister's fast-improving Gosport Borough in the Southern League Challenge Cup.

Gosport thrashed Met Police 6-3 in the Evo-Stik Premier South yesterday - player/coach Matt Tubbs, Pat Suraci (2) and Ryan Pennery (3) on target in Borough's third win on the bounce.