A first half goal from Chichester City top scorer Harry Bridle and Isaac Bello’s lovely finish after the break dumped ten-man Gosport out of the FA Trophy at rainy Privett Park.

City stuck with the same XI that beat Berkhamsted in the league at Oaklands midweek so skipper Rob Hutchings started at left-back with Ryan Davidson on the other side, with Ben Pashley and Curtis Da Costa in the centre of defence in front of keeper Max Evans.

Isaac Bello, James Sweet, Joe Moore and Emmett Dunn lined up in midfield with Bridle and Brandon Chebby up front.

Olly Munt, Lloyd Rowlatt, Lucas Pattenden, Joe Clarke and Noah Africa warmed the bench on a cold, wet afternoon.

Action between Gosport Borough and Chichester City in the FA Trophy at Privett Park | Picture: Chris Moorhouse

placeholder image — Action between Gosport Borough and Chichester City in the FA Trophy at Privett Park | Picture: Chris Moorhouse

Chi began brightly playing into strong wind and rain. A poor pass couldn’t pick Bridle in the opening minute before Da Costa was fouled by Wayne Robinson. Borough fired into the side-netting following a Dunn mistake and at the other end Chebby hit a shot-cross off target ,

Bello fizzed in a low delivery, although no Chi player was there, and a decent opportunity fell to Bridle but the ball bounced out of his path. Harry Lee and Jordan Ngalo linked up for Gosport, but the return pass went out for a City goal kick.

Pashley did well to prevent Dan Wooden from shooting and a Borough tackle ended Bello’s fine run. Chebby won Chichester a throw and Pashley conceded a corner which Harvey Rew took and Bridle hooked away.

Evans saved after Wooden almost profited from an under-strength Dunn back pass in the 10th minute and Jacob Gardiner-Smith curled one wide as it ebbed and flowed.

Action between Gosport and Chichester City in the FA Trophy at Privett Park | Picture: Chris Moorhouse

Gosport keeper James Holden saved on 14 and Bridle won the Lillywhites their first corner in the 16th minute. Bello had a go – and Bridle scored the opener on 17 minutes with a super header.

A great tackle by Pashley prevented Billy Bodin from getting in before Gardiner-Smith dragged one well off target on 25. Chebby earned City a corner which was cleared easily enough and Bridle’s attempt looped off an opponent.

Hutchings took another corner which was cleared after a collision between Da Costa and a Gosport player.

Then came the match’s big talking point when Moore was fouled by Wooden and referee Jack Bromham gave the Borough player a straight red.

A man down, Gosport faced a barrage of pressure as Chebby crossed, although Bello couldn’t get to the ball, and another Hutchings’ corner was diverted. Bridle missed a free-header in first half time added on.

Bridle pulled his shot wide one minute into the second period and Davidson thumped an effort way over the crossbar. But on 47, Bello doubled Chi’s lead thanks to a lovely dummy, before he rounded the keeper to turn the ball into the open net.

Hutchings got a talking-to by the ref for a foul on Benny Read before George Penn replaced Gardiner-Smith.

Bello beat his marker but had a cross cleared, and mishit a shot for a Boro’ goal kick. Mauro Vilhete came on for Bodin on 61 minutes and Read was booked for a foul on Hutchings.

Da Costa almost made it 3-0 in the 63rd minute after a goalmouth scramble and nice work from a defender denied Sweet.

Ben Greenwood replaced Read as Gosport rejigged again. Then Bridle’s corner was headed over by Davidson.

Rowlatt and Pattenden came on for Bello and Da Costa with 15 minutes to go.

Munt came on for Davidson, then Chebby’s delivery was too close to Holden in the 87th minute and Moore got cautioned. Silky skill from Pattenden teed Munt up for a long-ranger which was deflected out for a corner and Africa replaced Bridle late on.