Matt Osborne was Chichester's saviour on Tuesday night, as the long-serving defender claimed his first goal for the club to rescue a league point at second-placed Arundel.

The contest was something of a needle match, the two sides having already met this season when they drew 2-2 in the Norman Wingate Trophy back in July.

Chichester set the tone for the opening 45 minutes in the very first move, when Scott Tipper missed a great opportunity from close range. Further chances came the visitors' way, with Neil Murfin forcing a terrific save out of goalkeeper Ben O'Connor on ten minutes and a header from Tipper being pushed over the crossbar nine minutes later.

Things became rather warm as half-time approached: Chichester's Steve Leigh was shown a yellow card for a late tackle on Lloyd Walker, and moments later Eamonn Brennan was booked for Arundel after a scuffle broke out.

The Mullets took the lead against the run of play on 43 minutes, when a corner from ex-Chichester player Gary Norgate gave Andy Boxall a free header at goal.

City began the second half with vengeance, when an attempt by Tipper was spectacularly denied by a volley-kick from O'Connor as he dashed across the goalmouth.

However, the Arundel players then succeeded in slowing down the tempo of the match as they sought to hold onto their advantage.

Brennan was fortunate to stay on the field after he was involved in an off-the-ball incident that was missed by the referee, and the former Eastbourne Town forward then had to be spoken to again on 60 minutes.

The equaliser came in the 85th minute, as Osborne sliced a beautiful curling shot from about 20 yards out. There was however a sorry postscript to the celebrations, as referee Dave Smith made a harsh dismissal. Leigh exchanged comments with Brennan - something along the lines of, "you ain't laughing now, are you?" - for which the Chichester player received his second yellow card.

Report written by Chester Browton for the Chichester Observer

Chichester Team: Hards, Hitchman, Osborne, Price, Jackson, Leigh, Thomas, Cole, Hardwell, N. Murfin, Tipper
Subs: Stephens and Wozniak (for Tipper and Cole)

Chichester Scorers: Osborne

Attendance: 70