Derby win brightens Chichester's mood at Brighton

Boosted by Neil Pendle’s return to the team, they were out to take the derby honours - and achieved the aim.

When Brighton gained possession Chichester were organised, ensuring Brighton had 11 players to by-pass.

Chichester were out to attack and Jack Lerwill and Matthew Cox shone in the first half. Lerwill slipped the first past the helpless keeper and Cox doubled the lead with a counter-attack.

The second half brought heroics from Chichester keeper Dan Godsmark.

Chichester showed determination and maturity in the second half ensuring no easy chances fell to Brighton. Jason Collins starred as the visitors held on.

Spencer 2 Chichester 0

In their second game of the weekend, Chichester looked fresh and held their own for most of the first half.

Chichester attacked but managed few shots on goal. London-based Spencer used their strength to turn possession to their advantage.

Chichester succumbed on the stroke of half-time at a penalty corner.

Changes were made at half-time but there were gaps through the middle and Spencer went two up.

Chichester showed a never-give-up attitude and worked hard but Spencer made Chichester run for the ball which led to errors from fatigue when Chichester did have attacking chances.

Chichester’s final two games are against Milton Keynes and Eastbourne, both below them in the league.

Chichester II 6 Andover 0

The home side went into their penultimate league encounter knowing a point would secure promotion.

They started nervously and this allowed Andover chances, with one shot flying narrowly wide the far post.

Chichester’s confidence began to grow and chances from Strudwick and O’Boyle were well saved by the keeper.

The ball found the net when Strudwick finished a neat move created by Woodruff and Palmer.

The Chichester defence pushed higher, which allowed Hayward and Dougal to spread the play from the back.

Another attack resulted in Strudwick netting again after a neat flick from Lock. Chichester added a third through Tom O’Boyle just before half-time.

In a free-flowing second half, Chichester scored two in quick succession with Lunn expertly finishing both, a deserved reward for his hard work.

There was still time for another Chichester goal from a well-executed short corner which Strudwick rounded off for his hat-trick.

This week Chichester travel to Basingstoke knowing a win will confirm them as champions.

Chi Priory Park Ladies II 4 Mid Sussex 1

This was Chichester’s last game of a torrid season but they took control from the whistle and Beth Marks and Lottie Greenlees helped them run rings around the opposition.

They were rewarded with a goal at the near post by Greenlees as the midfield, led by Kate Helm, dominated.

In the second half Chichester netted a second goal five minutes in from a short corner by Livy Knight. Because Chichester were pressing high up the field, Mid Sussex pulled one back.

This made the home side more determined and Hudson made ot 3-1. Mid Sussex’s heads were down and Knight scored her second.

CHI PP: Mel Banks, Sharon Rich, Beth Marks, Kate Helme, Tracy Austin, Emma Bennison, Lottie Greenlees, Amy Chaplin, Mel Howarth, Lyndsay Hudson, Livy Knight.

Burgess Hill 2 Centurions 1

Ladies’ Sussex League

Centurions travelled for another clash with opponents near the top of the table.

They passed well in the first half and successfully defended several Burgess Hill short corners but the defence couldn’t stop a swift strike for the opener.

Centurions drove forward but were unable to score. Burgess Hill increased their lead to 2-0 when they scored in a goalmouth scramble in which Chantelle Hedge made several excellent saves.

Centurions denied Burgess Hill from seven short corners before intelligent passing resulted in Lisa Proctor giving Centurions a well-deserved goal. Centurions were unable to find the equaliser.

CENTURIONS: Hedge, Brooker, Edge, Hurford, Harbord, Proctor, Thew, Mealing, Eames, Johnston, Williams, Brown.

Chi Chipmunks 3 Horsham IV 1

The Kingsham pitch was fast and true, allowing Chichester to use their pace up front. Swift movement from debutant Woodruff led to Sturdey finding Andrew Creswick, who smashed the ball inside the post.

Sowden found Hindmarsh, who slid the ball along the line for Kathegesu to score.

Donaldson kept Chichester in it with a string of fine saves. Horsham got on the scoresheet before a break saw Kathegesu smash in Chichester’s third.

CHICHESTER: Donaldson, Woodruff, Brixey, Clark, Gleeson J, Sturdey, Gleeson T, Hindmarsh, Lowther, Creswick A, Sowden, Futcher, Creswick R, Kathegesu.