Valiant Vase effort sees Chichester City win at last

CHICHESTER produced their best result of the season to date on Saturday with a thrilling 4-3 extra-time victory at Molesey in the FA Vase first round.

Adie Girdler’s side needed extra-time to beat their Combined Counties League opponents and halt a run of seven consecutive defeats, incredibly achieving the triumph by fielding half their reserves. Molesey were first to score on 15 minutes, Darius Heravi forcing a save out of Matt Short and Mannie Quarshie netting the rebound.

Six minutes later the lead was cancelled out when a mix-up in the Moles’ defence let in Joe Briggs for an easy finish.

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With half an hour played City went 2-1 in front with a quick counter-attack that led to Dean Reed scoring easily.

The hosts forced the pressure during the early stages of the second half and James McShane levelled on 56 minutes.

City hit back and Briggs thundered a shot against the crossbar before Jack James restored the advantage following a corner. McShane hit another equaliser for Molesey, sending the tie into extra-time.

In the 97th minute, Lewis Edwards finally determined the outcome with a brilliant free-kick taken close to the touchline, a superb inswinging 30-yarder which crashed in off the underside of the bar with keeper Luke Elliott transfixed.

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Chichester go to Tunbridge Wells in the next round on Saturday, November 19.

CITY: Short, Carrington, James, Portas, Doran, Bass, Wallis, Briggs, McDuffie, Reed, Edwards. Subs: Cooper, Waite.

CHESTER BROWTON