Girdler's lament as Worthing defeat Chichester City

We should have won. That was the straightforward assessment of Chichester manager Adie Girdler following his side's 3-2 home defeat to Worthing in division one of the Sussex League on Tuesday night.

City were behind after eight minutes when Liam Baitup sent the visitors into the lead.

City continued to dominate and were rewarded on 51 minutes when Dean Reed’s heels were clipped by keeper Mark Oldroyd. The penalty was dispatched by keeper Matt Short. But on the hour, a series of errors led to Worthing regaining the lead.

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A looping delivery left Short struggling and the keeper fumbled the cross, which was headed in by Lucas Mann.

Chichester struck back through Dean Read’s composed volley, but were trailing again when Joe Briggs miscued a free-kick and it was pounced on by Mann, who skipped past Short and scored.

Briggs, only just back from a previous ban, was sent off for a second yellow.

Girdler said: “Although the two goals we gave them were calamities, we still showed good response and good character to keep on going.

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“It was hard to concede the third. But they gave it their all, and nearly pulled it off.”

Chichester, who lost 4-0 at Crowborough on Saturday, look for an upturn in fortunes when they visit Molesey in the FA Vase. Next Tuesday they visit Hassocks in the league.

CITY: Short, James, Trinder, Doran, Day, Bass, Briggs, Groome, Reed, Edwards, Waite. Subs: Jeffrey, Wallis.

JACK PRESTON