Chichester's candle burns out at Wick

Michael Frangou scored the only goal in the 70th minute as Chichester lost further ground on rivals in the top half.

After the win against Redhill at the beginning of the month, Chichester have shipped eight goals in three games and have slipped 16 points off the league leaders and into ninth place. The home side looked to take an aggressive control, picking up six yellow cards in the 90 minutes.

And the visitors could not find the breakthrough, meaning their dip in goalscoring form continues.

Now City must take advantage of two games against teams above them to close the gap – with East Grinstead Town first up on Saturday at Oaklands Park, then a visit to Hassocks following three days later.

Currently one place above Chichester on goal difference, East Grinstead have lost three of their last four and knocked Chichester out of the SCFA Senior Cup in January.

Girdler hopes home advantage brings a different outcome to the 3-0 defeat suffered when they last met.

City know wins against EG and Hassocks will restore confidence and put them back in contention with the top six.

Meanwhile City are out of the Brighton Charity Cup after a second-round 4-1 loss at Storrington. Adrian Brockway got the goal.

MARK ALLAWAY