Five-star Arundel win at Chichester

Mullets struck three times in the second half against a Chichester side who had been reduced to 10 men in the first period and Butler said: “I’m so proud to be in charge of this team at the moment.

“I’ve never known team spirit as good as this and everyone is really enjoying themselves.

“It’s such a happy environment, which is really showing on the pitch.

“We’re in the top 10 now but, looking at the teams above us, and with a couple of games in hand, we could possibily go even higher.

“We’re at home to Hassocks on Saturday and we’re really looking forward to it after they got a late equaliser against us at their place.

“We couldn’t be in a more buoyant mood going into the game.”

Mullets took the lead through the division’s leading scorer Scott Tipper on four minutes with his 24th league goal of the season and 33rd in total.

Chichester responded when a deep Shaun Benjamin free kick was headed home by Michael Turvey from close range on nine minutes.

Alex Biggs set up brother, Josh, to lob Arundel back ahead from 25 yards on 21 minutes before Chi were reduced to 10 men when Turvey was sent-off for violent conduct.

Arundel keeper Ben O’Connor made a couple of good saves as the half drew to a close but Mullets made the extra man count in the second period.

Howard Neighbour netted from a tight angle to make it 3-1 on 53 minutes, before Matt Axell volleyed home a Neighbour cross from 14 yards on 66 minutes.

Axell then added his second in injury-time after a Josh Biggs effort was saved.

Arundel finished the game with defender Alex Duncan in goal after O’Connor went off with a back injury and he made one excellent save to ensure the final score was 5-1.

ARUNDEL: O’Connor; A.Biggs, D.Walker, Sneller, L.Walker; Grove, Axell; Neighbour, R.Biggs, J.Biggs; Tipper. Subs: Duncan (L.Walker 70), Rance (Grove 78), Pepper (O’Connor 85).