Sporting highlights of 2019 - And Chichester City will play... no-one!

It is THE sporting story of 2019 in this part of the world - Chichester City's remarkable, inspiring run to the second round of the FA Cup.
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So amazing was it, we didn't think one story and bit of video would do it justice - so we have picked out three moments to bring you today that sum up the story perfectly.

The first is perhaps the more surreal moment of all - when City's players and staff waited to see who they'd get in the first round of the FA Cup ... only for them not to get anyone!

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Bury's absence from the first round line-up meant there were 79 clubs involved instead of the usual 80, and it was decreed that the last team in the machine would get a bye to the second round.

City celebrate their FA Cup first round after watching the draw at Oaklands Park / Picture by Daniel HarkerCity celebrate their FA Cup first round after watching the draw at Oaklands Park / Picture by Daniel Harker
City celebrate their FA Cup first round after watching the draw at Oaklands Park / Picture by Daniel Harker

As Chi officials gathered at Oaklands Park to watch the draw, chairman Andy Bell said a bye would be his preference because it would secure £36,000 prize money and a place in round two and an even better chance of a big game.

And you can guess what happened...

More on the Chi Cup run on this website later today