WINCHESTER City co-manager Danny Robinson admits his side “reaped the rewards” for their patience as they beat Newport IoW 3-1 at the Denplan City Ground in the Sydenhams Premier Division.

Despite the scoreline, it wasn’t a comfortable win for Robinson and Tim Cole’s outfit, who have now climbed to 5th in the Wessex.

Much of the first half was disjointed and lacked much flow, before City found inspiration after the interval.

Mike McEnery gave the home side a rather jammy lead just past the half an hour mark and notched the third on 85 minutes after hotshot striker Warren Bentley made it 2-0 with 25 minutes left.

Late on, Scott Jones grabbed a consolation and Robinson admitted it had been a tricky afternoon against Port, whom they welcome again in the FA Cup second qualifying round on Saturday.

“They have come here and set up very well,” he said. “They made it difficult for us. It took a little time to get in our stride. I have to give credit to Newport for the way they set up and the way they closed us down and pressed us.

“It was one of them where we had to bide our time, be a little bit patient and we reaped the rewards.

“If you look through their whole side, they are full of good resilient players.

“They will be a top three side.”

The scrappy opening phases was short on attacking entertainment but was a good display of defensive organisation.

Chances were restricted by the resolute defending, and the few opportunities fell to Winchester. Bentley slammed just wide from the edge of the box and Zach Glasspool was able to find space but his shot was blocked out.

On 32 minutes, amid the scrappiness, Winchester midfielder Chris Mason sliced open the Isle of Wight side’s backline.

McEnery was hot on it and as Cameron Farley, the Port stopper, charged out his box to cut-out, the tall winger took a touch that outwitted the stranded keeper and bounced into the empty net.

It was a stroke of luck that sparked a bit of City imagination and was followed up by a Leigh Mills header that forced Farley into a spectacular reaction save.

After the restart Winchester came out with more ideas. Dominic Cope continued to be a threat down the City left wing.

Bentley went close from a Mason free kick with a flicked header that went narrowly wide of the right post and curled another effort, as Port’s Darren Powell tried to clear, just past the same post.

The away side had their own chance as Jones thumped one powerfully at keeper Jason Collins, who palmed away.

That Port attack lead to Winch doubling their lead as Bentley found space in the box, rounded the keeper and slotted home on 64 minutes.

Late on, Winchester got their third as McEnery burst down the right flank and knocked in a cross. Cope shot and keeper Farley spilled. The winger was ready to pounce from that and stabbed home.

Jones grabbed Newport’s only goal as he took advantage of defensive indecision and hit into the roof of the net from inside the box with seconds left.

“We struggled to hurt their back four at times,” admitted Robinson. “Trying to get in their final third we couldn’t quite do for a while.

“But with Warren Bentley, Zach (Glasspool) and Mike McEnery in the side we have always got a goal threat.

“It’s a good three points, but it doesn’t suggest anything of what the game will be like this Saturday (when they place each other again). I’m disappointed to concede, but we’ll focus on the positives.”

Winchester travel to Bemerton Heath Harlequins tomorrow night, while Newport welcome Verwood Town in the league.

Winchester City: Jason Collins, Adam Tomasso (Ryan Holloway 87) , Joe Wright, Ben Stanbrook, Leigh Mills (c), Luke Dempsey, Mike McEnery, Chris Mason, Zach Glasspool (Geoff Dunn 80) , Warren Bentley, Dominic Cope (Adam Roberts 87) . Subs not used: Liam Green, Ross Casey.

Newport IoW: Cameron Farley, Jake Younie, Ryan Oatley, Aiden Sainsbury, Scott Sampson, Oli Fleming (Gary Draper 70), Darren Powell (c), Ian Seabrook, Freddie Knowles, Scott Jones, Matt Evans. Subs not used: Tom McInnes, Tom Scovell, Gary Streeter.