A goal in each half condemned Abingdon United to a 2-0 defeat at Winchester City in Division 1 South & West.

With top striker Anaclet Odhiambo away, Jermaine McSporran started for the first time for two months.

The first quarter of an hour saw both sides battling for midfield superiority which resulted in no clear cut-chances being created.

Ryan Brooks had the first chance when he broke through the Winchester defence and unleashed a thunderous drive which keeper Lyall Beazley, on-loan from Portsmouth, palmed away at full stretch.

Dean Moss then hit a powerful low drive which brought another flying save out of Beazley.

On the half hour, it was United goalkeeper Simon Tricker's turn to shine as he turned away Phil Cousins's dipping volley.

Abingdon then survived heavy pressure with Mark Gamble having a shot blocked by a defender.

Winchester opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Tricker was unable to cut out a long through ball, and it bounced up to Tom Vavrecka, who had the simple task of running on and lashing it over the line.

Andy Ballard was denied by a stupendous point blank save from Beazley.

Gamble shot over early in the second half, and Mark Jones missed a great chance for Winchester.

And it was no surprise when Abingdon fell further behind on the hour, skipper Lloyd Webber turning the ball home at the far post.

Abingdon battled to get back into the game, but City held on comfortably.

Abingdon Utd: Tricker, Moss, Organ (Abbassi 82), Davis, Ballard, McCalmon, Brooks (Alexis 61), McSporran (Ferreira 75), Herbert, Peirson, Curtin. Subs not used: McGlynn.

Attendance: 166.