WHITCHURCH United are up to third in the Wessex League Premier Division following an impressive victory at home to fellow high-flyers Winchester City on Saturday.

After Ryan Lambert had hit the post, Danny Phillips put Whitchurch ahead on 25 minutes, slotting home from Chris Manning’s low centre.

Winchester levelled from a corner 10 minutes later, Jamie Thoroughgood forcing the ball over the line, but the visitors lost Charlie Smeeton to a red card early in the second half.

Matt Austin hit the crossbar as Whitchurch looked to take advantage of having an extra man. They regained the lead when substitute Tom Lockyer forced the ball home after Nathan Gray had hit the post.

Whitchurch found themselves reduced to 10 men when Jack McCarthy picked up a second booking, but Austin’s late goal made the game safe.

McCarthy had scored the only goal of the game as the Jam Boys beat visiting Verwood last Wednesday.

Whitchurch face a top-of-the-table clash tomorrow night, when they travel to second-placed Petersfield Town, knowing that a win would see them reduce the gap to the top two down to four points.