Chichester City find perfect way to ease their troubles

After a 12-game losing streak that stretched back to February, troubled Chichester City secured two wins in three days in the County League first division.

It was a timely boost for a club increasingly plagued by off-field money problems and uncertainty over their future.

On Saturday, Ringmer visited Oaklands Way and goals either side of half-time from Rhys Watling and Tom Broadbent gave Adie Girdler’s side their first points for two months.

Watling’s early strike settled Chichester for the rest of the half though they were let off by Tim Johnson who hit the bar for the visitors.

Broadbent made the win safe in front of just 33 fans after 53 minutes when he was found in space 30 yards from goal and drove home the winner.

And it seems Chichester wins are like buses: after none for so long came two at once. A visit to Arundel’s Mill Road on Monday saw City complete back-to-back wins for the first time since early December.

Callum Cutler scored just before the half-hour mark and Jack James made the win safe two minutes before time. Manager Girdler said it was good to get back to winning ways and told the Observer: “Both wins were thoroughly deserved, and it’s lovely to see the players with smiles on their faces again.

“The enthusiasm had gone out the team with the off-field problems, but everyone at the football club is there for the love of the club. So if we can get to twelfth that would be incredible.”

Monday’s victory at Arundel ended a five-game unbeaten run for the home side.

And the manager’s view that his side had been gradually improving is standing up to scrutiny – Chichester’s goal difference over the last four games is plus two, compared to minus 11 in the four previous games.

Girdler says there’ll be no changes at all to the team for the final game against Lingfield, which he believes will be moved to Oaklands Way and played next week because of travelling issues.

The six points gained at the weekend see Chichester rise to a healthier-looking 15th position in the league, and though they are level on points with three other teams a win against Lingfield will lift them further.

MARK ALLAWAY