CHICHESTER RETURN TO FORM AT EASTBOURNE

Chichester City put their recent poor form behind them with a strong performance to win 3-0 on the ground of the reigning Sussex County League Champions, Eastbourne United.

Eastbourne are not quite the force they were but are still well placed and victory will have rekindled City’s hopes of a top three finish.

Ben Vassallo had an early chance for City but skied his shot and Shawn Benjamin also went close with a header from Adrian Brockway’s corner before the visitors took a 24^th minute lead. Vassallo was through on goal only to be upended by goalkeeper, Gavin Richards, and Brockway converted the ensuing penalty.

Ten minutes later City extended their lead with a top quality goal from Lee Mullen. A Jason Minton throw in was headed on by Jamie Ford and fell kindly for Mullen to volley the ball well beyond Richards from 20 yards.

Steve Dallaway then missed a decent chance for Eastbourne before the home side made a goalkeeping switch at half time.

Defending a 2-0 lead City weren’t too adventurous after the interval but offered Eastbourne a good chance to get back in the game when Spencer Sturt fouled substitute James McKenzie to concede the second penalty of the game. However Danny Andrews was less effective with his spot kick and City goalkeeper Tom Boyle dived to his left to block Andrews’ effort.

Right at the end City had the final word with the best move of the game as substitute James Searle swept the ball wide to James Temple for Vassallo to get inside his marker and turn the cross from the right past the stranded goalkeeper.

City remain second in the table.

Report written by Trevor Wallis

Chichester Team: Boyle, Minton, Stent, Broadbent, Benjamin, Mullen, James, Ford, Temple, Vassallo, Brockway.
Subs Used: Searle, Cooper & Jeffrey
Not Used: -
Scorers: Brockway, Mullen, Vassallo

Booked: Stent, Brockway
Sent Off: -
Man of Match: -
Attendance: 59