Stuart '˜embarrassed' by second half defensive display

Arundel Football Club joint manager Craig Stuart was left embarrassed by his side's second half defensive display in their 4-1 Southern Combination League Premier Division defeat at Chichester City on Tuesday.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Oct 2016, 12:47 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 02:51 BST

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Alex Biggs fired Arundel ahead at rivals Chichester City last night. Picture: Stephen GoodgerAlex Biggs fired Arundel ahead at rivals Chichester City last night. Picture: Stephen Goodger
Alex Biggs fired Arundel ahead at rivals Chichester City last night. Picture: Stephen Goodger

Mullets shipped three goals in the second period, after taking the lead through Alex Biggs’ strike three minutes in.

Stuart felt his side’s efforts in the final 45 minutes were not good enough as they fell to a fourth successive league defeat.

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He said: “I can’t even begin to try to defend our defensive efforts in the second half.

“The final two goals we conceded were embarrassing and it was just simply not good enough.

“Leading into the game we were without Asa Nicholson and Rory Biggs, Barney Boutwood then pulled out on the day, before Bradley Lewis got injured in the warm-up.

“Despite those problems, we started really well and could have been ahead at half-time.

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“For some reason, in the second half we just capitulated. I’m not too sure what the reasons are but we just fall away in games.

“You find out a lot about your players when times get tough and I think it could well be time for changes if we continue to defend the way we have been.”

Mullets were in front inside four minutes as Scott Tipper’s head down was rifled home by Biggs on the half-volley.

A serious knee injury to City’s Chris Hooker then saw the game suspended for 20 minutes, before he was taken to hospital.

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When play resumed, the home side got level when Tommy Block’s strike took two deflections and beat James Fernandes.

A woeful second half showing saw Josh Clack fire City ahead ten minutes after the break. Jake Gale added a third 20 minutes from time, before Scott Jones rounded off the scoring on 89 minutes.

ARUNDEL: Fernandes; Jenkins, Peake, Dudas, Elder; A.Biggs, Jarvis, N.Da Costa; Russell, Tipper, S.Herbert. Subs: Rennie (Elder), L.Da Costa, McDonald.

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Related topics:Premier DivisionChichester City