Report and video: Chichester City can't quite cope with Folkestone's force

As veteran Chi manager Miles Rutherford has said to me on more than one occasion, ‘If you don’t concede, you don’t lose football matches.’

It’s a philosophy that has stood the test over the past few seasons. In 2018-19 they conceded just 34 goals to become SCFL premier division champions.

In 2023-24 they conceded just 43 in 38 games en route to winning promotion to the Isthmian premier division via the play-offs. Indeed, they beat Ramsgate 1-0 away from home in those play offs.

Up until three games ago the current campaign was progressing along the same lines with just ten conceded in 12 games. However, ten let in during the past three has management and players in a flux. A 3-0 loss away to leaders Folkestone Invicta on Saturday was tough to take.

Folkestone looked top-class as they extended their league lead to six points. They took a tough midweek 1-0 away win at Wingate into the match with 1,062 fervent fans watching on.

The Alcaline Stadium on Cheriton Road seemed to be in full party mode with a live band belting out tunes in the refurbished clubhouse. The outlets including a colourful burger joint were doing brisk business in cool but clear conditions. The new artificial surface looking amazing. Chi on the other hand were nursing an unlucky 5-2 home loss to Brentwood the previous Saturday.

Invicta got off to a fast start and should have taken an early lead. A great move found their right winger alone on the back post. His shot was cleared off the line.

Chi got into their shape and rhythm. The usual pattern of defending deep and not allowing space at least kept the crowd quiet for the most part. In fact, Chi looked the more threatening late in the half forcing two corners. Unfortunately, both were overhit. But Chi connections would have been very happy with a goalless first half.

The Invicta massive, now camped on the open terrace, ramped up the noise and urgency. However, Chi looked extremely comfortable until the hour mark and were possibly thinking of another 1-0 away win.

But on 62 minutes the Folkstone keeper launched one, 1980s style, straight up the middle. In a moment of hesitation none of the Chi back four dealt with it as the ball bounced towards the box. Striker Jake Hutchinson got on the end and calmly stroked the ball home. It was a poor goal to give away.

On 80 minutes Folkstoneclinched the points with well crafted second. A cross from the left was allowed to run across the area for Joe Pigott to prod home at the back post.

In added time the stadium erupted as Ronnie Dolan thumped home from 30 yards in sensational style. It rubber-stamped a comfortable home victory but was perhaps a bit cruel on the visitors.

Chi assistant manager Harry Bascombe said: “The group are very disappointed to have lost three games in a row albeit against top opposition. We felt very comfortable for an hour and created several positive moments.

"However, we gifted them two goals and against a team like Folkstone you are not going to get back into it. We pride ourselves in coming to places like this and being resolute.

"Now we can look forward to two huge opportunities at home against Chatham (this Tuesday) and Cray Valley (on Saturday). We need to take advantage of those.”

Bascombe joined the club three seasons ago as their analyst and has now been promoted to assistant manager, working with manager Rutherford and coaches Darin Killpartrick and Danny Potter.

We wish good luck to Chichester City over the coming matches.

Colin Bowman is following Sussex non-league sides at steps two, three and four all season. Read more of his pieces by searching ‘Colin Bowman’ and ‘Sussex Express’.