Winchester City cut the ribbon on a new era with their brand new pitch in their 2-2 draw with Weymouth F.C in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.

The momentous occasion boasted an attendance of 640 supporters at the Charters Community Stadium, where the hosts' party was spoiled after they were forced into a replay by two late goals from Weymouth to bring the game back to 2-2.

After Winchester City's plans for the artificial playing pitch were permitted on November 15, 2023, the journey and direction of the club has shifted in ways unprecedented in the club's history. Finishing 11th on 57 points was the highest points tally the club has achieved in a campaign.

Construction on the new playing surface began on May 4, and in July the club announced an extension of their partnership with Charters Estate Agents for an additional season. Once the construction work was finalised on September 13, it was only a matter of time before Winchester's streak of 21 consecutive away days came to an end.

It was a fantastic day out in the sun with the turnstiles opening at 12pm, encouraging eager fans to soak in the atmosphere before the game with the clubhouse opening early to celebrate the occasion.

The crowds turned up including Weymouth's travelling supporters and mingling with different supporters from both clubs, creating an electric atmosphere accompanying the new era at Winchester City.

Food and beverages were available from the clubhouse, with food vans and a bar pitch-side, enticing supporters of all ages to queue for afternoon refreshments ahead of the mouth-watering cup tie.

Winchester City manager Craig Davis spoke of how delighted he was to return to the Charters Community Stadium.

He said: "My overriding emotion today is pride. It is great to be back at home again for the first time this season on our new pitch. The way we staged the game — with such a big crowd here today — I think everyone who came to watch today will have seen moments that they were proud of.

"They [Weymouth] are a team in the league above us and we contested very well with them, showing that we can play some good football. I'm really looking forward now to pushing on and continuing to play at home in front of crowds like this."

Weymouth — who compete in the National League South — struggled to get off the blocks, with Winchester looking the brightest of the two sides. A deflected strike from Jamie Barron on the edge of the box gave the home side the lead shortly before half-time, before Tommy Wright doubled his side's lead early on in the second half.

Winchester defended resolutely in the second half but were under immense pressure from the visitors who drew a goal back after a defensive mix-up at the back caused the loose ball to fall to Euan Pollock to score his first goal for the club.

Shortly after halving the deficit, the visitors drew level when a bullet header from Ezio Touray left Winchester goalkeeper Luke Cairney helpless in goal, forcing a replay between the two sides on Tuesday for a place in the next round.