Chichester were eliminated from the FA Cup at the first hurdle as visitors East Preston struck two second-half goals to claim the £500 prize-money.

It had all started so well for City, who took the lead in the 6th minute.  Scott Tipper’s shot took a deflection off the shoulder of opponent Chris Hall and - despite Matt Axell’s reflex clearance - the referee ruled that the ball had just crossed the goal-line.

The remainder of the first-half was pretty dire, with virtually no proper chances falling to either team and Chichester failing to hold onto to possession for any length of time as the ball was continually shuffled up and down and pitch.  New signing Steve Bernard was delayed on his journey from Christchurch and joined the game midway through the period to replace stand-in Roger Moore.

East Preston’s equaliser arrived in the 62nd minute, as the ball was played across the goalmouth and Phil Churchill – totally unmarked - casually scooped it into the net.

Nine minutes later, East Preston won a free-kick close to the left touchline and Ryan Hudson’s precision delivery set up Josh Biggs to hammer home the deciding goal.

For the closing stages, Alex Ward joined Bernard and Tipper to form a three-pronged attack, and in the 85th minute the City captain produced a soaring run towards goal only to be halted by a superb tackle by David Hall.

Despite a generous dose of injury time, City were unable to rescue the situation, suffering only their second defeat against East Preston in the last five seasons.   

Report written by Chester Browton

Chichester Team: Squires, Stimpson, Miah, Hitchman, Hickman, Sutton, Ward, Gauntlett, Osborne, Tipper, Moore
Subs: Alex Brockway, Bernard and Guarnaccio (all used)
Scorers: Tipper
Attendance: 65