No escape from basement for Chichester after Uckfield defeat

A 4-1 defeat at Uckfield, coupled with St Francis’ win over Redhill, means City’s final match of the campaign against Hassocks is academic.

In a cagey first half, Chichester were content to get men behind the ball and rely on counter-attacks.

A decent chance following a goalmouth scramble ended in the ball being cleared off the Uckfield goal-line.

Then a long ball was misjudged by home keeper Tom Betts although the crossbar came to his rescue.

Uckfield seemed a different side in the second half, and quickly got on top.

On 48 minutes Joe Cuttress delivered a through-ball to former Rocks player Richard Greenfield who buried it. Soon after, Greenfield flicked on from a cross for McDowell to make it 2-0.

With an hour played, Uckfield’s Matt Jones attempted a spectacular bicycle kick from a corner.

When the referee blew, everyone assumed it was for dangerous play – but it turned out a penalty had been awarded after the ball struck a City defender on the shoulder. Greenfield duly converted to claim his second.

It got worse on 69 minutes with the linesman failing to flag for offside, allowing McDowell to score off a post.

City sub Michael Grant picked up possession from a poor clearance and rounding the keeper for a consolation.

CITY: Stevens, Prior, Madle, Hibbert, Dye, S Cotton, Northeast, Smith, Holmes, Dormer, Forry. Subs: Groom, Grant, Heath.

CHESTER BROWTON