Selsey slither to big defeat - and there's no cheer for Chichester

Graham Bush’s solitary effort just before half-time made it 2-1, but a second-half collapse gave EG their biggest away win of the season.

It was the third time Selsey had conceded six or more this campaign, and means they have recorded only one win in their last six games.

But manager Martin said recent results were to be expected when his side were suffering from injuries and facing teams at the top.

He said: “We were well beaten and I can’t really add very much to that.

“I hope the players aren’t drifting off because we play hard and train hard until the end of the last game.

“We’ve been under-strength and up against good sides. We’ve lost Max Thoms and Ed Bowers, two of our most influential players.”

Peter Cooper headed in a corner to open the scoring before John Paul Collier converted a penalty.

Bush finished well on 41 minutes but East Grinstead restored their two-goal advantage as Sam Joyce was caught out by Lloyd Anthony’s cross. Rikki Cable and Collier (2) added further goals.

Martin is hopeful his side, now 14th, can record an overdue win at Lingfield on Saturday to pull away from danger. “The bigger picture for us is focusing on the games we’ve got a genuine chance of winning and staying in the league.”

n Chichester City have lost seven in a row after Three Bridges and St Francis Rangers beat them.

Chichester have won only twice this year and have slipped to 12th.

On Saturday hosts Three Bridges struck twice in the opening 15 minutes before a Tom Lyons double within two second-half minutes sealed Chichester’s fate.

Cameron Scott in the City goal was beaten again by Lyons but that shot came back off the upright.

On Tuesday night, 19th-placed St Francis Rangers beat City 2-0 at the Colwell ground.

It was St Francis’ first win since January 22 and there’s no respite for Chichester – for on the horizon are visits to two of the league’s in-form teams in Crawley Down and East Grinstead Town.

MARK ALLAWAY