Roger Moore: 104 Goals

Roger Moore finally overtook Jamie Laidlaw as Chichester City United’s all-time leading scorer when he netted the consolation goal in the 4-1 defeat at the hands of Three Bridges on 26 November. Moore, semi-retired these days, has had the record in his sights since his previous goal against Redhill in April, but limited appearances this season have led to the long wait.

Having scored some 150 times for Clanfield in the Hampshire League, Roger joined Chichester when City merged with Portfield in August 2000. In the newly-formed club’s opening fixture at home to Saltdean United, Roger came off the bench to score on his debut in a game that ended as a 5-1 reversal. Moore, the only player from that day who is still part of the squad, also netted four strikes in one match that season as Chichester thrashed local rivals Sidlesham 5-0.

The following campaign (2001/02) saw Roger’s best total for the club with 28 goals, whilst he was City’s leading scorer in the year they were County League champions, 2003/04. At one point midway through the season it looked like the title had slipped away but – after a run of five games without victory – Chi turned on a pivotal performance to overcome nearest-rivals Rye United in February, with you-know-who grabbing the winning goal.

Although it’s fair to assume that the majority of Roger’s goals are now behind him, his place in the CCUFC Hall of Fame is already assured.

Moore’s goalscoring record for Chichester:

2000/01: 19
2001/02: 28
2002/03: 24
2003/04: 22
2004/05: 10
2005/06: 1 (to end of November)
Total: 104

Report written by Chester Browton