A goal from new signing Lee Paul set Chichester City United on their way to an opening day victory against Hassocks at Church Road on Saturday.

A dry dusty pitch and a strong crosswind spoiled the occasion but City will be content to have three points in the bag at the start on the new campaign.

In a new look City line up only the Murfin brothers, Adrian Brockway and Belal Miah had started in the corresponding fixture in December last year. Amongst the newcomers the defensive pairing of Lee Mullins and Lewis Johnson proved effective although the Hassocks forwards wasted several good chances. Peter Houkes who made a handful of appearances in goal at the end of the season also made a couple of important saves but the creative players will need better conditions to show their worth.

The only goal of the game came on the half hour mark after Joel Harding in the Hassocks goal had tipped a dipping Scott Murfin shot over the crossbar and Brockway had rattled the woodwork. This time Murfin’s corner on the right found Paul unmarked in goal area to head home from close range.

Houkes was at full stretch to save from Hewitt at the start of the second half and would have been relieved when Thomas glanced his header wide and Sheriff twice squandered good chances when well placed.

City’s best chances saw Alex Ward hit the side netting and Harding save another Paul header but the defence ensured that the season got off to a perfect start.

Report written by Trevor Wallis

Chichester Team: Houkes, Miah (Fennemore), Hickman, Angel (Case), Mullins, Johnson, Murfin N., Ward, Brockway, Paul, Murfin S. (Foster)
Subs: Fennemore, Case, Foster (all used), Cutler and Hounslow (not used)
Scorers: Paul

Attendance: 62