CHICHESTER NEED FA CUP REPLAY AFTER CRAWLEY DOWN DRAW

Chichester City United must replay their F.A.Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie with Crawley Down after a 2-2 draw at the Haven on Saturday.

City made a number of changes to their starting line up with debuts for goalkeeper Matt Short and midfielders George Way and Danny Evans. Way was quickly into the action with a corner across the face of the home goal and an effort from Ben Vassallo was saved before City took a 22^nd minute lead. A foul on Billy Huntley allowed Way to pick out Tom Foster to head firmly past Shayne Goldsmith in the Crawley Down goal.

City were 2-0 ahead after 32 minutes when Crawley were penalised for handball and Vassallo tucked away the spot kick.

Lee Bedden and Way had chances to extend the lead before half time but Crawley Down were much better after the break and a pep talk from new manager, John Crumplin. Short saved well from Gareth Neathey and Mo Shuga’a to preserve his sides lead before Shuga’a made it 2-1 after 53 minutes with a direct run through the centre of the visitors defence.

Vassallo had a couple of chances blocked at the near post before Crawley grabbed the equaliser with 10 minutes remaining as Shuga’a provided the cross for Sam Cave to convert at close range.

Report written by Trevor Wallis

Chichester Team: Short, Foster, Madgwick, Hickman, Hotston, Hider, Evans, Way, Huntley, Vassallo & Bedden.
Subs: Jeffrey and Miah (both used), Matthew Cooper and Walker (not used)
Scorers: Foster, Vassallo

Attendance: 56