WINCHESTER City expect to have their strongest squad available for Monday’s big Southern One South & West derby at home to AFC Totton (3pm).

But manager Paul Masters has a couple of absentees on Saturday as City look to book their ticket to the FA Cup first qualifying round by outclassing Toolstation Western One outfit Wincanton Town at the Denplan City Ground.

Holidaying centre-back Leigh Mills misses one more game and frontman Dan Cann has a pre-arranged engagement made before signing from Blackfield during the summer.

City fans, however, can rejoice in top scorer Warren Bentley's return after missing two games on a summer break, while midfielder George Short’s tight hamstring has eased.

Winchester, the Southern One South & West top scorers, have banged in a staggering 13 goals in two home league games.

But Masters’ men had a rude awakening last weekend when they conceded at the death for a 1-0 defeat at Evesham.

“It was a shock, if I’m honest,” admitted Masters. “I certainly didn’t see it coming through the game. We’d defended well.”

With Wincanton sat 17th, two tiers below Winchester, Masters’ men are red-hot favourites to pocket the £1,925 prize money and book a trip to either Sholing or Swindon Supermarine on September 12.

But the manager warned: “I remember playing for clubs like Havant and these games were always banana skins. It’s about how we perform. If we turn up right, we’ll probably win. If we don’t, it causes you troubles.”

Midfielder Liam Gilbert, a summer arrival from AFC Totton, has dual-signed for Sydenhams Premier high-fliers Andover Town.

“Liam had a bit of a back injury towards the end of last season and needs games,” Masters explained.