Chichester City United consolidated their top spot in the Sussex County League with a 3-1 home win over Southwick on Tuesday evening

Paul Thomas put Chi ahead from the penalty spot after 25 minutes when a Southwick defender handled in a goalmouth scramble created by a clever exchange between Jamie Laidlaw and Russell Hardwell.

Meredith might have put the visitors level before half time after dispossessing Steve Leigh but then slid his shot wide as he ran on unchallenged.

However Southwick did draw level on 65 minutes when Matt Ash headed in a left wing cross at the far post.

Chi immediately stepped up the tempo and within five minutes Neil Murfin had restored their lead as he shook of the attentions of his marker to drill a shot inside Pockney's right hand post in the Southwick goal.

Pockney was left exposed again as Hardwell went clear ten minutes later to steer his shot beyond the keepers left hand and Chi had the points in the bag.