Maidst'ne 1 Chichester 2

South premier div one

In the sunshine and snow in Kent, Chichester finally overcame a spirited Maidstone side.

Chichester started brightly and Alistair Kemp and Adam Beere caused problems for the Maidstone defence.

On the counter-attack, and against the run of play, Maidstone scored.
They then proceeded to put 11 men behind the ball, but Chichester continued to pass the ball well and maintain possession.

The equaliser came after Kemp held the ball up before feeding Wallis for a simple tap-in.

Chichester continued to press and with Gerry Cox and Sam Beere controlling midfield they dominated possession.

Repeatedly Chichester were thwarted by a rugged Maidstone defence and it was late in the game when Richard Blakesley expertly flicked the ball beyond a helpless defender on the line to clinch a hard-fought and deserved victory.

CHICHESTER: Gotham, Matthews, Spearman, G Cox, S Beere, M Cox, Blakesley, Kemp, Mead, Wallis, A Beere. Subs used: Weait.

Chichester Chipmunks 2 Eastbourne IV 1

After a week off, Chichester returned to action and won a tough encounter against an Eastbourne side who had been unbeaten in nine.

Chichester had a reshuffled side as some of their regulars were called into higher sides.

This gave call-ups into men's hockey for Odell, Steeley and a recall for Holden. Rob Gobbins also stepped in to deputise in defence.

Chichester started slowly and Eastbourne scored a good goal past Donaldson.

Chichester reorganised after ten minutes when David Brixey had to go off injured.

Chichester began to dominate but the Eastbourne keeper made great saves to deny Blanks, McCartain and Tom Brixey.

Donaldson made a good stop to keep Chichester in the game.

The second half saw continued Chichester dominance – and eventually goals. A good counter-attack led to Brixey scoring from a rebounded shot.

Chichester looked the most likely winners.

Gibbons and Lyons were rock-solid defensively and Trent and Steeley caused problems down the right.

Chichester's winner came from a short corner and a mistake. Tom Brixey
misdirected his pass and the ball trickled into the bottom right corner of the goal – a disappointing end for the excellent Eastbourne goalie.
Chichester survived a late scare as an Eastbourne striker shot over – and that secured a vital win in their title chase.


* Chichester's Charlotte Cox is off to a four nations tournament in Holland with England under-18s.

The 16-year-old, a regular in the Chichester ladies' first team, has survived the squad being whittled down to 18 from 24 and is hoping to play a key role when England go up against the host nation, Spain and Germany.

Charlotte has moved up from England under-16s and continues to impress for whoever she plays for.