Goal rush lifts the gloom at Kingsham - but other hockey sides lose

On a cold grey day Chichester were looking to build on their win at Brighton – but the few spectators who were braving the weather were shown a desperate first half. Thankfully their peseverance was rewareded as Chichester eventually ran out 7-1 winners over Purley

The disappointing aspect for the home team was that, instead of setting a high standard, they played as poorly as Purley.

Luke Emmett scored for Chichester after eight minutes, but Purley equalised from a bizarre umpiring decision. A penalty stroke was awarded to Purley for a back stick in the D. Both teams were surprised but Purley scored.

A lively discussion at half-time seemed to lift spirits and get Chichester moving up several gears.

This is a young side with three players aged 17 and under – and it was that trio who were to shape the second half.

Chichester proved too strong and fit for Purley. Twelve minutes into the second half Holten delivered the second Chichester goal.

Emmett fired home to make it 3-1 and another youngster, McGoughlin, opened his first-team scoring account when Emmett unleashed a fierce strike which left the Purley keeper screaming in pain on the ground, which he followed up and calmly placed in the net.

Emmett scored again to claim his hat-trick. He will be missed next weekend, when Chichester are away to Old Georgians, as he is with an England U18 training weekend.

Cameron Mead stepped up to score spectacularly from a penalty stroke for a dreadful tackle by a Purley defender.

Matthew Cox completed the scoring to make it 7-1 five minutes from time.

This brings Chichester back into positive goal difference.

Old Georgians will field four first team players from Chichester’s team of last year this weekend.

Centurions 1 Mid Sussex 6

Ladies’ Sussex League

Centurions home clash with second from top team Mid Sussex was always going to be tough, but with a team of ten, Centurions rose to the occasion.

Early pressure paid off with a break from Thew and a goal. The defence were called on and Harris made a valuable interception.

A run from Skinner looked promising, but Mid Sussex regained the ball and a quick equaliser followed.

Pressure on the defence was maintained and Richardson’s good clears and Sleet’s stops held Mid Sussex. Edge tried on to deflect a shot, and Richardson narrowly missed saving the resulting penalty. Brown tackled well to frustrate Mid Sussex, but at half-time the score was 4-1 to the opposition.

Centurions resumed strong in defence. Interceptions from Sleet were crucial in denying Mid Sussex a shot. Proctor’s tackles supported by Edge’s hit-outs gave Allen a chance, but Centurions could not increase their score.

Mealing was quick to slot the ball to Thew, but again no goal came.

A short to Mid Sussex saw them increase their score. The game finished 6-1 to Mid Sussex, but with Centurions having put up a determined show.

CENTURIONS: L Proctor, L Thew, A Skinner, H Sleet, L Harris, N Edge, D Brown, C Allen,

C Mealing, A Richardson.

Mid Sussex Juniors 6

Chichester Cherubs 4

Sussex Development League

Chichester’s title bid suffered a set-back at Mid Sussex.

An improving Mid–Sussex side struck early with two quick goals before Chichester had mounted a serious attack.

Chichester made but squandered chances to get back in the game and Mid-Sussex extended their lead to three before Chichester had replied.

Adams got a goal back after a series of short corners just before half-time.

Chichester’s interval team talk centred on the need to get a foothold in the second half. The squad took this to heart and goals from Adams and Sowden saw them back on level terms after only five minutes.

Mid-Sussex scored two goals to re-instate their advantage.

Chichester dug deep with Creswick scoring from close range before the key moment.

With Chichester 5-4 down, they were denied a penalty stroke claim as the decision went with the defenders.

Mid-Sussex made a final chance which they converted with aplomb to secure all of the points for themselves.

Chichester hope to bounce back this weekend against bottom-of-the-table Wolves.

CHICHESTER: Alder, Gleeson T, Clark, Gleeson J, Palmer, Gibbons R, Adams, Woodruff, Gibbons C, Creswick, Sowden, Stemp.