Comeback kings Chichester City are back on track against Rangers

Goals from Ben Vassallo and Joe Briggs cancelled out Benjamin Holden’s second-minute opener and saw City close to within a point of rivals Pagham in the top six.

Girdler said: “Pagham are still the target, and we still have to play them.

“We’ve the character in the side and the ability.

“We had a little kick up the backside at Sidley last week, but we put it right this week. We didn’t sit back on our laurels.”

After Holden’s early strike, Vassallo was put through on keeper Simon Lehkyj in the 14th minute. His shot rebounded off the keeper’s legs but bounced nicely back off Vassallo to allow him to equalise. On 40 minutes, Vassallo’s perfect cross was met by Briggs, whose header into the top corner gave the keeper no chance.

Girdler said: “It was a nice win to get us back on track. It was great to see Ben Vassallo get the first after coming back from injury, then Joe Briggs scored a nice header.

“The defending to go 1-0 down was sloppy so we showed character to get to 2-1 but then never really finished the game off.” Girdler praised Sam Doran for the way he switched to midfield after a spell as emergency left-back. And the boss said Mike Turvey and ex-reserves player Rowan Wallace also did well.

Chichester have no game this weekend but visit Ringmer on November 20 then host Crowborough.

Girdler said: “Ringmer are next and we won’t be taking them lightly.

“They’re below us and you have to beat the teams down the bottom.

“I’d rather be playing again this week to keep the momentum going, but it’s nice to have a break and recharge the batteries. It could be a psychological boost when we come out firing where we’ve missed a week.”

MARK ALLAWAY