Eventful end to season that Chichester City aren't sorry to end

Chichester City finished the season with a 3-3 draw against Lingfield in Sussex League division one

in an eventful final game that was characteristic of their season.

Adie Girdler rates it as probably the hardest season he’s had as he and his players look back on a turbulent 2011.

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They feel a 14th-placed league position is respectable, especially after a three-point penalty earlier in the season.

The manager said it had been a rollercoaster ride and was hopeful that off-field issues which have hit the club’s progress in recent months would be settled within the next fortnight.

He said: “Eventful – that sums it up really! Saturday was probably as eventful as it has been since October when we got back in charge.

“Overall, as a club, we’re happy. We’ve consolidated our position in the league for next season and now we can move forward.

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“It’s been hard to manage this season – the hardest season ever really.

“But we haven’t paid one penny to any players and I’d like to take my hat off to the likes of Joseph Briggs, Callum Cutler, Tom Broadbent and James Archer. We’ve learnt a lot about the players.”

Against Lingfield, in a game played at Chipstead, Danny Oakins hit the first of his three goals in the first half to open the scoring for the ‘hosts’, only for Sam Doran to cancel out the strike just before half-time.

Oakins’ second restored Lingfield’s lead and on completion of his hat-trick the hosts looked home and dry.

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But two goals in the last 12 minutes by Timothy Harruna and Morgan Forry meant City pulled the scoreline back to 3-3.

“We missed chance after chance – but it was pleasing to blood in a few youth team players,” Girdler (pictured) said.

“Shay Wiggans, Rhys Watling, Adam Barton and Morgan Forry – they’re only 17-year-old kids so I’m delighted for them.

“And for Morgan to cap his performance off with his first senior goal was pleasing for him.

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“They’ll get their chance next season and they’ve got to continue to work even harder to make the shirts their own. We’ve got to improve the squad for next year and we’re talking to players at the moment.”

Meanwhile, Girdler and assistant Dave Kelly will speak to winger Adrian Brockway about his discipline in talks that could make or break his future at Chichester after he was placed under club suspension.

As for the club’s future, it’s hoped that an extraordinary general meeting next week will satisfy the outstanding issues the club have with Chichester District Council.

MARK ALLAWAY