It now looks as though the challenge to gain the final play-off place will go down to the very last game of the season, after suffering a real setback with this 2-0 defeat.

In the opening twenty minutes on a difficult surface, neither side really created anything of significance to trouble either defence as both sides looked to dominate in midfield. An unfortunate mistake with a clearance by Jaimie Cogman after 23 minutes, presented Dan Jones with an opportunity that he gratefully accepted from distance. This put the Martyrs at a considerable disadvantage, although with their first attacking threat Gethyn Hill’s shot in the 32nd minute forced Luke Cairney to save with his legs.

The opportunity to regroup at half time was dealt a devastating blow in the last minute of the first half when Sam Ashton scored from close range. The game deteriorated in the second half as the attacking levels dropped and the price for conceding two first half goals took its toll. The closest either side came to adding to the scoreline was when Winchester hit the post directly from a corner.

Unfortunately, the visitors couldn’t find a way to trouble the Winchester defence and the game ended in disappointment for the travelling fans. Fractionally before the final whistle blew Liam Angel was dismissed for two yellow cards and will now be suspended for the final game of the season.

There is very little margin for error now, of course anything can still happen. It is still possible that Bracknell might drop points somewhere, and that’s the mindset the manager and the players must have now.