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Five Month Unbeaten Run Comes To End In Last Game Of Season

Five Month Unbeaten Run Comes To End In Last Game Of Season

Ian Worden30 Apr 2019 - 11:36
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Eastbourne Town 4-1 Chichester City

Action from the reverse fixture at Oaklands Park in October (Picture: Daniel Harker)

Chichester’s title-winning season came to an end with defeat away to Eastbourne Town as the champions suffered their first loss in 23 league games – an unbeaten run stretching back to November.

The hosts needed a win and for Horsham YMCA to slip up in a final day match against Langney to stand any chance of pipping YM to the SCFL premier division runners-up spot.

Without regular keeper Ryan Young, midfield maestro Matt Axell and the mercurial Gicu Iordache City bosses Miles Rutherford and Graeme Gee were forced to make changes to the side that beat Pagham 5-0 on Easter Monday. Ant Ender came in for Young, captain Connor Cody started in the middle of the park with Rory Biggs rather than in his customary defensive position, with Kaleem Haitham and Sam Ndlovu on the wings to offer support for Josh Clack and Scott Jones. Dan Hegarty and Kieran Hartley, who have both been out with long term injuries, returned to the squad and joined Harry Williams, Danny Potter and youngster Luke Wallis on the bench.

It was the visitors who carved out the first chance of the game when a cushioned header from Jones set up Ndlovu whose shot was just off target.

Town, finding some joy down the left flank, then forced three corners in quick succession before Clack missed a real opportunity at the other end in the 11th minute when he latched on to a super pass from Ben Pashley only to lift the ball over the bar.

Next Dan Perry dragged an effort wide and another dangerous delivery from Tom Vickers gave Ender something to think about.

In the 23rd minute Ellis Martin was the first Chi player to go into Mr Andrews’ notebook and Vickers went close with the resulting free-kick.

Jones then had an effort cleared off the line before Chichester found themselves rocking.

The loss of Ryan Peake with a hamstring injury didn’t help their cause. Cody dropped back to partner Pashley and Williams came on in centre mid.

A cross from the left again set up Aaron Capon but Ender somehow managed to get a glove on the ball.

Biggs then picked up a yellow for a foul on George Taggart, who scored both Town’s goals in the 2-1 win at Oaklands Park, before Capon gave the home side the lead on the stroke of half time with a neat finish.

City might have fallen further behind a minute later but Vickers’ long range effort fizzed inches over.

A couple of chances came and went for Chi after the break.

Pashley almost diverted the ball into his own net five minutes in but Ender recovered well and then made two smart saves either side of the hour mark from Capon and Dan Perry.

An excellent tackle from Biggs was instrumental in the equaliser on 66 minutes. Biggs found Clack who passed to Jones and the visitors’ leading scorer swept the ball into the back of the net for his 24th league goal of the season.

City were level for barely four minutes.

Ender couldn’t hold onto Dan Bolwell’s shot and Perry tucked away the loose ball from close range.

And it was 3-1 moments later after Mr Andrews awarded Town a penalty for Ender’s barge. Vickers calmly slotted his spot kick away into the bottom left hand corner.

Hegarty came on for Jones and Hartley replaced Ndlovu just before Bolwell’s audacious lob from just inside the halfway line made it 4-1 in the 84th minute much to the delight of the home fans who provided a lively backdrop as ever at the Saffrons.

A nice cross from Hartley late on found Haitham but his header went the wrong side of the post.

Town’s victory wasn’t enough to claim that second spot as Horsham beat Langney 2-1, and at the other end of the table neighbours Eastbourne United secured their premier division status thanks to a dramatic 3-2 win at Pagham and the Arundel result going their way.

Chichester - Ender, Lewis, Martin, Peake, Cody, Pashley, Clack, Biggs, Jones, Ndlovu, Haitham. Subs: Hartley, Hegarty, Wallis, Williams, Potter

Chichester City’s players presentation night is on Saturday 4th May at the clubhouse in Oaklands Park. All supporters are welcome. Doors open at 6pm. A limited number of tables are available for reservation. Please contact secretary@chichestercityfc.co.uk for more information.

And on Sunday 5th May the club are holding a veterans game to honour the memory of ex-players Brian Clarke and Mark Hyde. Plenty of former Chichester City players have committed to play. The club would love to see as many supporters there as possible. Kick Off is 4pm and entry is free. The game will be followed by an evening disco in the clubhouse.

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