A LOCAL derby rarely produces sparkling performances and the goalless South League Premier Division Two affair between high-riding Winchester and ever-improving Trojans at Kings’ was no exception.

A game edged in its first half by Trojans saw the visitors desperately hanging for the final ten minutes, writes Jon Player.

Trojans plan was clear from the first few seconds, pinning Winchester deep inside their own 23-metre line and for the next ten minutes there was little relief for the newly promoted city team second in the table.

After surviving two penalty corners, Winchester gradually clawed their way back into the game.

As usual, the central defensive unit of skipper Kevin Boniface and England Over 40s international Chris Jackson, provided the bulwark against the Trojans pressure.

The pattern that was to last 50 minutes came into play with both teams giving possession up lightly to each other, but neither able to capitalise on the errors.

Both goalkeepers – Winchester teen Rory McCallum and Trojans veteran Steve Cole – were called upon to make a couple of good saves from clear chances.

As the game entered its closing minutes, Winchester kicked up a gear and suddenly the action was all at one end.

Tristram Marshall failed to deflect Kent Langridge’s clever cross and a few moments later the home side seemed to have multiple opportunities during one goalmouth melee that came to nothing.

Marshall was again centre of the action as his initial penalty corner strike was saved and the favourable rebound sent narrowly past the post.

The best chance fell for Winchester as Kieran Malloy burst into the D and found himself one-on-one with keeper Cole, who was able to deflect Malloy’s looping effort just over the bar.

Winchester had one moment of anxiety when Trojans won a penalty corner, but the shot was wide.

The goalless draw allowed London Edwardians to re-establish their three-point lead at the top and Trojans to remain in a comfortable midtable slot.

Winchester host Edwardians in a top-of-the-table duel at Kings’ on Saturday, December 5.

- Sally Gibson, Trojans’ ladies match winner at Bristol Firebrands, has helped the England Women’s Masters Over 45 team become Home Nations and European champions.

She hit a late winner at Firebrands shortly after returning from Jersey, where she scored four times for England in a tournament and was voted player of the match in the final game.