Chichester almost come back from the dead for halloween

City were trailing 2-0 in the county league first-division game until the last few minutes, but a late own goal gave them a lifeline and the ball was in the net again during injury-time only for the strike to be ruled out by the officials.

Adrian Brockway, Callum Cutler and Ben Vassallo were all absent through injury, while James Searle was suspended.

Consequently, youth-team players Liam Missick and Luke Killner made their full debuts.

Sidley dominated the first half, Terry Payne putting them ahead with a shot that flew over Derek Harding’s head and Jason Taylor extending the advantage a few moments later.

In a scrappy second period, both sides were reduced to ten men with Dan Cruickshank and Tom Broadbent receiving second yellow cards.

It wasn’t until the 87th minute that Chichester seemed to have any chance, a mix-up between Sidley goalkeeper Harry Killick and his defenders resulting in Sean Kelly hitting the ball into his own net.

The final drama came in the fourth minute of added time when Killick saved a last-gasp Chichester shot but the ball was kicked out of his hands and over the line.

But following a consultation between the referee and his assistant, a home free-kick was given instead.

CITY: Harding, Smith, Doran, Broadbent, Wallis, Archer, Briggs, Killner, Turvey, Ford, Missick. Subs: Carrington, Barton.

* Chichester are at home to St Francis Rangers on Saturday, marking the 50th anniversary of the biggest game in the club’s history. In 1960 they reached the First Round of the FA Cup but lost 11-0 to Bristol City.

CHESTER BROWTON