SHOLING drew 1-1 with Winchester City last night – their third unbeaten pre-season game against Southern League opposition.

After beating Blackfield & Langley 3-2 and Thatcham Town 2-1, Dave Diaper’s Sydenhams Premier Division fell into arrears on 68 minutes when Oli Bailey’s curled shot gave Winchester the edge.

But the Boatmen got themselves back on terms on 80 minutes through young Bradley Targett.

The 17-year-old showed great composure, chesting down Owen Roundell’s diagonal ball and smashing a shot past advancing keeper Ryan Pryce. It was the development squad player’s first goal for Sholing's senior side.

The Boatmen were without Dan Miller, Jake Hoole and Kev Brewster, but welcomed back TJ Cuthbertson, Alex Sawyer and Billy Connor after knee injuries.

For Winchester it brought the curtain down on a hectic week, having squeezed three games into four days.

In the absence of Danny King, Rob Carr, Josh Harfield, Reece Rusher, Matty Andrews, Lamar Koroma and Harvey Clark, the Citizens handed a debut to reserve team graduate Fabio Manule in an unfamiliar left-back role.

City boss Craig Davis reflected: “A busy week ends for us with a very positive display against a decent Sholing side who are packed with very good players.

"All in all it was a very good workout for the lads.

"We are very pleased with the effort and application, plus the way the new lads have settled into the tight-knit group already. We look forward to building on it.”

Winchester have another packed programme ahead next week. After Tuesday’s trip to Bashley (7.45pm), they host National League duo Sutton United on Wednesday (7.45pm) and Eastleigh on Saturday (3pm).

Sholing have completed their pre-season programme and attention now turns to their Sydenhams Premier opener at Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Saturday, August 4 (3pm),