BROCKENHURST boss Pat McManus has long rated the Badgers as a team for big occasion – and tonight they once again showed why.

For the second season running, the New Forest club put Winchester City to the sword at Grigg Lane, this time upsetting the pre-season title favourites by a convincing 3-0 scoreline.

City, still without injured top scorer Warren Bentley, named new signing Charlie Smeeton on the bench.

But by the time Smeeton was introduced at the start of the second half, Winchester were already 2-0 down and sliding towards their third league defeat of the season.

Danny Cox – a former Winchester player – volleyed in Brock’s close-range opener from a Will Tickle cross.

Former Team Solent wide man Tickle scored the other two himself after cutting in dangerously from the right.

“It was a good all-round team performance from everyone, we played ever so well,” said McManus.

“I always fancy us more against teams in the top five. That’s the sort of side we are.

“Rory (goalkeeper Rory Anderson) only had two saves to make the whole game and our two centre-halves Joe Chamberlain and Harry Jeffries were immense.

“Will Tickle’s getting back to his best after injury. Danny Cox is somewhere near fully fit now and he hit the bar not long after scoring.

“Daryll Phillips worked his socks off and deserved a goal. Everyone played well from front to back.”

The result leaves Brockenhurst sixth, five points clear of City who have four games in hand over McManus’s men.

Both clubs face away ties in the Sydenhams League Cup on Saturday – Brock visiting AFC Portchester and Winchester travelling to Fawley.