FA Cup tie is perfect time for Chichester City to put hammering behind them
Chichester City’s players have been challenged to show they are better than their heaviest defeat for three seasons suggests.
They were beaten 5-0 away to Southern League Premier South leaders Uxbridge on Saturday, ending a run of four straight wins. City were 2-0 down at half-time then let in another three in 15 second-half minutes.
Now they seek an immediate bounce-back as they prepare to host SE Dons in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.
They then return to league action next Tuesday at home to high-flying Chersey, when the club will mark the first anniversary of the death of striker Billy Vigar.
Coach Darin Killpartrick said: “Uxbridge are a very good side and they caught us on what, for us, what not a very good day.
"They were hungry and fit and had everything. We were off the pace but we did create a couple of chances – and when we watched the game back on video, it was not as bad a contest as we’d thought at the time.
"With a result like that, you can’t dwell on it. It does not happen often to us so we need to move on and make sure we prepare well for the next game. There were some issues arising from the Uxbridge game to sort out and we will.”
SE Dons play in the Southern Counties East League and Killpartrick said there was no way City would take them lightly.
"They have some strong financial backing and will be dangerous opponents,” he said. "This is like a cup final for them – but it is for us too. For either side, the chance to get the prize money and reach the third qualifying round is massive.
"We hope there’ll be a big crowd there to support us, that’ll be vital.”
City are still hoping to add one or two more players to their squad – with one possible before Saturday.