Rutherford: Chichester City results starting to match displays

Chichester City's form has picked up since early season / Picture: Neil Holmes

Goals by Gicu Iordache and Emmett Dunn earned a 2-1 victory at Herne Bay, City’s second league victory in a campaign that has been inconsistent so far.

Rutherford feels his side have turned in some of their best displays in games they have ended up losing in the early part of the season.

And while he is not complaining at his players putting in a big effort on days when they end up on the wrong side of the result, he is pleased to see their progression reflected in this latest win.

Chichester face another stiff test this weekend when they host Cray Valley PM - who have taken over City’s mantle as the division’s FA Cup heroes, reaching the ‘proper’ rounds just as Chi did a year ago.

Rutherford was delighted with the Herne Bay victory, in which City had to withstand a late fightback by the home team.

He told the Observer: “We weren’t playing well at the start of the season but in the past four or five games, we’ve done okay and I can see improvements.

“We played well against VCD and got beaten 4-1 – that was never a 4-1 game – and then we did ever so well against Tonbridge Angels in the FA Cup but lost 2-1.

“We were maybe a bit lucky to beat Haywards Heath 3-2 but I won’t complain at that. And at Herne Bay it was another good effort.

“There are a lot of promising signs – it’s certainly not all doom and gloom, like maybe it was at one point.

“Herne Bay are tipped by many as promotion contenders so it was nice to win at their place.” Rutherford has been impressed by Saturday’s visitors Cray Valley PM’s start and predicted they and Hastings would be the pacesetters throughout the campaign.

“It could be our hardest game of the season so far,” he said. “Anyone who finishes above them will have done well.”

Next Tuesday City host Saltdean in the Sussex Senior Cup.

Forward Callum Overton is available for selection after proving his fitness following a long-term knee injury, and Rutherford said he had virtually a full-fit squad from which to select.