CHICHESTER CITY REACH LEAGUE CUP QUARTER FINALS

Chichester City progressed in the John O’Hara League Cup after beating Eastbourne United Association 3-1 in the third round at Oaklands Park on Saturday.

Chichester took the lead on 20 minutes when James Archer played through Joe Briggs who drilled the ball low to the keeper’s left and despite the claims of offside the goal was allowed to stand.

Eastbourne got their revenge 6 minutes later when a long range shot from Bywater deflected off James Ford and past the hapless Ender in the City goal.

Ciupinski came close to giving the visitors the lead soon after but blasted over from close range and then Sargent in the Eastbourne goal was forced into action, saving shots from first Archer and then Cutler.

In the final minute of the first half, James Ford made amends for the earlier deflection with a top drawer 30 yard effort which rocketed into the Eastbourne net to give City a 2-1 lead.

Callum Cutler came close to giving City a two goal cushion early in the second half but his 25 yard power shot cannoned off the bar to safety.

Ben Vassallo made a welcome return from injury on 70 minutes, coming on as a substitute for Archer, and he almost made an instant impact when crossing the ball to Temple but his striking partner’s scissor kick went straight to the keeper.

With 12 minutes left to play Eastbourne came close to forcing the game into extra-time when Walsh played through the lively Morton but Ender stood his ground in the City goal and produced a fine save.

The relentless Cutler created Chichester’s third goal in the last minute when chasing a lost cause and crossing the ball to the unmarked Vassallo who sent his wickedly spinning shot around Sargent to earn Chichester a quarter-final tie at Redhill next Saturday.

Chichester Assistant-Manager Dave Kelly commented after the game, “the lads were superb today and it was great to see Vassallo back from injury and on the score sheet.”

With the Hawks progressing in the FA Vase, Wick and Peacehaven both losing in the league and Shoreham only managing a draw, it turned out to be a fantastic weekend for the Lillywhites.

Report written by Martin Smith

Chichester Reserves made it a cup win double for the club after beating Petworth 2-1 away in the second round of the Sussex Intermediate cup, thanks to goals from Cooper and Harruna.