City ease to victory in Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup

City ran out 4-0 winners over Hellenic Division One side Calne Town on Tuesday night to progress into the next round of the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup.

With slightly depleted numbers through suspension and unavailability, City named a strong side following 10 days without a fixture due to the weekend postponement in the FA Vase. Haydn Whitcombe continued in goal, whilst Cam Monteith took the place of Adam Mace after his red card from the Corsham league victory. Lorcan Sheehan also came into the back four in place of Kirk Layton.

With Kyle Belmonte suspended due to accumulation of yellow cards, the midfield three started as Gater, Dinsley and Thompson-Brown, with Izak Reid moved to the right wing in place of Elliott Hartley. Liam Lockett continued on the left, with Jamie Insall returning to lead the line through the middle. City Youth products Reece Day and the returning James Batchelor started from the bench, with Dylan Hart and Brad Birch making up the numbers. It was Batchelor's first squad appearance since leaving the field injured in the first half of the previous round's victory over Westfields.

Our hosts started the game brighter and created a number of chances early on with work for Whitcombe to do in the sticks, but City managed to find the breakthrough on 22 minutes. Cam Monteith's cross found Jamie Insall in the box, and he made no mistake in giving City the lead.

It was two just minutes later. From a Lockett corner, Lorcan Sheehan rose highest to head his first City goal, much to his delight. After a slightly shaky start, City went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

After the break City remained in control and dominated possession of the ball and chances. Manager Cornes made changes with roughly 20 minutes to go, first with Day and Hart entering the field in place of Insall and Dinsley, and then Batchelor for Thompson-Brown.

The changes to the line-up paid off and with 10 minutes to go, Liam Lockett sealed the victory to put City 3-0 up. James Batchelor added the cherry on top of the cake with a fourth, and his first City goal. A dream come true for a lad that has come through the club's youth set-up, with a bright future ahead.

Next up is another home cup tie, this time up against Sleaford Town in last Saturday's re-arranged FA Vase fixture.