Fareham 3 Chichester 2
South premier division one

Chichester have written off their hopes of promotion to the National League after a loss to the runaway leaders left them 14 points behind them.

But they can be proud of the way they pushed Fareham all the way before a battling comeback ran out of time.

Chichester were not at full strength and Fareham started the brighter side and put their visitors on the back foot, forcing Chichester to give the ball away far too cheaply.

Hesitation in midfield by Paul Wallis led to a fast counter and a quick ball up to Fareham's centre forward.

His reverse-stick shot whistled past stand-in keeper Mike Irving in goal.

Further mistakes in defence, along with good ball-winning by Fareham, led to five quick penalty corners.

Jonny Weait stopped the first one on the line only for a penalty stroke to be awarded for a foul – a decision that puzzled both teams. Irving saved the penalty.

The second penalty corner beat Irving high to his left for 2-0 and a repeat made it 3-0.

Fareham seemed home and dry, even hitting the post twice as they looked to cut loose.

A reshuffle in the Chichester midfield saw them start to get back into the game before half-time.

Jack Lerwill was looking dangerous on the right hand side as Chichester desperately tried to get back into it.

Ben Barnes went close on two occasions near the end of the first half but Fareham held out.

Just after half-time, Paul Wallis pulled a goal back from a well-worked penalty corner move.

Fareham were on the back foot and although they looked very dangerous on the counter attack, Fareham had far less possession than the first half.

Gerald Cox and Richard Blakesley in the Chichesrer midfield worked effectively, and with Ali Kemp winning penalty corners down the right, Chichester were having more of the possession.

A late second goal from Barnes at a penalty stroke made the scoreline 3-2 but with no time left, Fareham held out to take all three points.

Player-coach Ben Barnes said: "With the league now gone and Fareham worthy winners, we must look to next season and aim to be more consistent in our attempt to gain National League status."

Chichester Ladies 2 Horsham II 0

Chichester overcame tough opposition to record another victory.
Horsham are currently fourth but Chichester were out to complete a double.

With the influential Tobie Wittleton back in Australia, Alex Felton stepped into the middle and relished the role.
Chichester started well and created chances.

Then they let Horsham back into the game, but Chichester's defence held Horsham back and denied them any shots from outfield play.

Chichester conceded a couple of short corners but Kate Waite made a fantastic save and tipped the ball over.

Chichester were getting frustrated and needed a goal to ease their nerves – and they did.

It came from a penalty flick taken by Claire Greenway.

Horsham gave away the penalty flick by committing a foul in the D.

It lifted Chichester and the next goal came five minutes later from Rachel Mackinney.

Sadie Butler made a great tackle in Horsham's defensive area.

She drove towards the D and rocketed the ball towards the goal, Mackinney reached it and tipped the ball in.

The second half was frustrating for Chichester, but Horsham deserve credit for defending well.

Charlotte Cox, Fiona Harris and Greenway made a number of attacks, but Horsham's keeper made some great saves.

When Horsham won another short corner, one of their players lifted the ball towards the top corner of the goal.

Louise Clark and Felton reached up and stopped the ball from going in.