CHICHESTER'S FA VASE HOPES BLOWN AWAY AT PEACEHAVEN

Chichester City’s F.A.Vase hopes were blown away at a windswept Peacehaven on Saturday as the home side scored three times in the second half to book their place in the next round.

City were without goalkeeper Matt Short injured while playing for the Royal Navy, defender Shawn Benjamin and striker Ben Vassallo which meant Rob Shay continued to deputise in goal and there was a first outing for Julian Boniface at full back in a reshuffled line up.

City have previously eased past Combined Counties outfits Colliers Wood and South Park but found their Sussex League opponents made of sterner stuff after they had failed to capitalise on the gale at their backs in the first half. With the wind spoiling a lot of the approach play there was very little to show for the first 45 minutes effort although Adrian Brockway did get the better of a challenge with the home goalkeeper Jason Buss only to find himself thwarted by the acute angle.

In contrast Peacehaven took the lead straight from the resumption as City lost possession direct from the kick off and Karl Dunk got the final touch at the far post.

James Temple came close to putting City level from a Joe Briggs free kick but his header grazed the outside of the post and the visitors best chance was gone.

There was still nothing much to choose between the sides but on 72 minutes a wind assisted corner from Callum Saunders  glanced off a CIty defender and the home side appeared to have an unassailable lead.

Shay then saved at full stretch from a Saunders free kick but could little to prevent Craig Bunch breaking clear of the City defence to slip the ball past him for 3-0.

Right on time Jamie Ford turned in a Briggs corner at the near post to give City a consolation but the Vase adventure was already over.

Report written by Trevor Wallis