CHI KNOCKED OUT OF CUP BY TEN MAN REDHILL

CHICHESTER kicked off the new year with a defeat at the hands of Redhill in the quarter-finals of the John O’Hara League Cup.

Victory was secured by the hosts despite recently losing their manager, having a player sent off during the first-half and Chichester getting the ball into the net after only three minutes – although it was ruled out for offside.

Both sides had chances to score during the opening 45 minutes.  Chris Hubbard squandered a great opportunity for Redhill when he side-footed the ball over the bar after Lee Radford’s cross had eluded the Chichester defence.

A mistake by Tashan Nicholas then allowed Callum Cutler a shot at the Redhill goal, while Josh Bonnet had a long-range attempt at the other end that went skywards.

The red-card incident occurred approaching the interval when Hubbard challenged a City player, with his subsequent comments to the referee earning him his marching orders.

However, this setback seemed to galvanize the Redhill players, and City keeper Anthony Ender had to conjure up a superb save to fingertip away a Calvin Headley free-kick.

With 55 minutes played, the Reds broke the deadlock when a smart piece of play was rounded off by Radford.  The move started when Marcus Elliott powered his way down the left-wing, cutting inside and pulling the ball back for the well-positioned Radford to score.

Moments later, Charlie Stagg almost made it 2-0 when his far-post header from a corner was scrambled away and the rebound went over.

James Archer had a decent effort for City, and Adie Girdler’s men came close to an equaliser when James Temple’s header was denied by a great Chris May save.

Ben Vassallo also had an attempt at goal with Chichester beginning to increase the pressure, and in the final chance of the contest May bravely came off his line to catch a high ball.  The former Albion stopper lost contact and there were appeals for a penalty, but the referee instead awarded a free-kick against Chichester.

With their interest in this competition now over, Chichester will be focussing on their battle with rivals Whitehawk for the league title, starting with an appointment at home to Lingfield on Saturday.

Report taken from Redhill FC website and modified by Chester Brwoton

Chichester Team: Ender, Minton, Ford, Bryan, Benjamin, Mullen, Briggs, Cutler, Temple, Vassallo, Archer.
Subs Used: Broadbent, James
Not Used: ?
Scorers: -

Booked: Mullen, Archer
Sent Off: -
Man of Match: ?
Attendance: 90