One from Bush is worth one (point) in the hand for Chichester

City’s defence were strengthened by the return of captain Peter Hibbert – making his first start since September – and debutant Jack Bingham, signed from Littlehampton.

However, they couldn’t prevent Heath taking the lead on 17 minutes when Merv Bhujun received a through-ball and beat keeper Anthony Ender one-on-one with a shot into the bottom corner.

Michael Frangou was denied a chance to level for City early in the second half before Ollie Moore unleashed an effort for the hosts that bounced off the crossbar.

Chichester inevitably threw men forward towards the latter stages. But they were almost caught out when Jamal Sultan broke away to the other end and it took a vital save from Ender to prevent Heath extending their advantage.

Then, in the 90th minute, City were awarded a free-kick deep in their opponents’ half and the ball was floated to the far post, turned back and pounced on by Bush, who scored from close range.

Broadbridge Heath can consider themselves robbed, while for Chichester it was a somewhat flat performance against the type of opposition where they really should have been hoping to collect three points.

City: Ender, Williams, Bingham, Pearce, Hibbert, Hegarty, Smith, Ansa, Bush, Frangou, Edwards. Subs: Case, Kilner.

City go to Eastbourne Town in the league on Saturday and visit Crawley Down Gatwick on Tuesday in the Sussex Senior Cup.

CHESTER BROWTON