NOT so long ago, Winchester City had developed a worrying habit of leaking late goals - but how times have changed.

Tuesday's dramatic 3-2 home win over Swindon Supermarine was the fourth game in the row that they had hit back in the face of adversity to clinch at least a point.

“It happened to us three games in a row – against Bristol Manor Farm, Paulton and Salisbury - that we conceded late to either lose or draw,” reflected manager Craig Davis.

“The Salisbury game (a rollercoaster 5-4 defeat) was a particular sickener and we had a long time afterwards to mull it over.

“We put a scenario into training looking at what we could do to try and stop it. It becomes a mental barrier if you keep feeling you’re going to concede late on and we addressed it as best we could.”

The upshot is that sixth-placed City are now on a decent run of four games unbeaten going into Saturday's home clash against third-place Bideford AFC in the Evo-Stik South West.

A tough test is on the cards with Bideford having won four and drawn one of their six away league games, but Winchester can take heart from Tuesday’s fantastic finale against Swindon Supermarine.

Having come back from behind to lead the ten-man visitors 2-1 through a Jamie Barron penalty and Oli Bailey, City were pegged back by a free kick.

But they refused to give up on victory and were rewarded on 88 minutes when Danny King was fouled and the ice-cool Barron struck again from the spot.

“That’s the fourth time we've come from behind or pegged back an equaliser to go on and get a better result and that’s a huge habit to get into,” said Davis.

“Full credit to the boys who were looking like we had a soft centre after conceding late goals. We have really pushed and pushed this on the lads – and what a great show of character in these last four games! It leaves you bouncing into the next one.

"Saturday's a big day at the top of the table with everyone playing everyone else. Totton (7th) have got Evesham (5th) and Salisbury (4th) play Bristol Manor Farm (2nd). The only ones not playing are the leaders Taunton, who are in the FA Trophy.

"Taunton are running away with it at the moment, but there's other promotion places up for grabs.

"We're a new side and I don't feel we've hit our stride yet. The best of us has yet to come."

Winchester midfielder Liam Gilbert is back available after a chest infection, but Adam Tomasso has another two games to sit out suspended.

Wideman Simba Mlambo was due to resume full-contact training this week following a long-term shoulder problem.