The conditions going into the game caused both sides trouble, as heavy rainfall turned Hampton’s pitch into a heavy bog. However, both sides battled through the ninety minutes in a thoroughly entertaining affair.

The Hoops manager also handed new loan signing Archie Matthews a place in the starting eleven ahead of Ben Dudzinski and Jenkins has said that the competition all over the squad can only be a positive.

“We have competition all over the pitch and it’s good friendly competition to have.” Said Jenkins.

“Our training is at a high intensity and sometimes it can make you better with someone wanting your shirt.

“We’ve got a group here that are together and will back each other and that’s the main thing.

“Archie’s come in today, but Ben was on the bench barking orders, fully motivated, and giving instructions from the sideline which is really good to see.

“We’ve got that through the whole team though, and now we’ve got competition between the sticks and it’s healthy. I thought today Archie really stood up to the challenge.”

The game itself was a difficult test for the Hoops. Josh Parker’s goal cancelled out Luis Fernandez’ opener but City were reduced to ten men when Andre Burley was sent off for a second bookable offence.

“It was a difficult game.” Jenkins said.

“We thought the game might have been called off but we were blessed with less rain than expected, but the pitch was heavy and boggy making it a real battle.

“The ball spent the majority of the time in the air but it is what it is and it was probably better in the air than it was on this pitch today.

“The last moments of the game are difficult being a man down but we showed great character to come through that so I’m really pleased.

“I think we’re better than that [the goal conceded]. He’s had a free run and got away from his marker but it looked like an easy one for him and we know Luis from his time with us.

“That was disappointing but the reaction to come back and go and get that goal and one that the boys need to be praised for because once Hampton get their tails up at home then teams can go under.

“We did the opposite, we went down the other end put a few passes together and pinched a goal so the momentum really shifted after that but unfortunately that red card did dampen things and made us defend for the last moments of the game.”