Two late goals at Church Road on Saturday ensured Chichester picked up a point in their Sussex County League match with Hailsham.

Ashley Jarvis struck twice for the visitors during the first-half. The Stringers were awarded a free-kick on 13 minutes, and a curling delivery found the unmarked Jarvis lurking at the post to head in. Then, a minute before the interval, the same player unleashed a superb shot from 25 yards out and dipped under the crossbar leaving goalkeeper Alex Hards totally stranded.

In-between the two Hailsham goals, City had an appeal for a cast-iron penalty turned down when Scott Tipper had his ankles clipped and was brought down.

Both teams were getting frustrated by some of the decisions made by the officials, and Hailsham were reduced to nine men during the second-half. Steve Hunt received a straight dismissal for abusive language, and then Peter Cooper was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away.

Despite being outnumbered, the East Sussex side defended bravely before finally yielding during the dying stages. On 85 minutes, the ball was slotted across to substitute Scott Murfin, who had plenty of time and space to drive his shot past Mark Oldroyd.

City clinched the equaliser in the 89th minute when they awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box. A left-footed effort from Paul Thomas curled into the net, even though Oldroyd managed to get a hand to it.

Hailsham officials made themselves unavailable for comment when afterwards asked about the referee.

Report written by Chester Browton

Chichester Team: Hards, Hardwell, Jackson, Miah, Price, Hickman, N. Murfin, Thomas, Moore, Tipper, Phillips
Subs: Dedegbe, S. Murfin (both used)

Chichester Scorers: S. Murfin, Thomas

Attendance: 65