Why more hard work is on menu for Chichester City

They can count themselves unlucky to have ended without reward - the team performed well but Uckfield’s defence stayed solid and they held on for a much needed win.

Manager Sherlock couldn’t hide his disappointment at the end of the game but insisted there were still positives to be found.

“I’m disappointed to come away with nothing and to be honest I’m fed up with opposition managers telling me we deserved more out of the game,” he said.

“We need to roll our sleeves up, get back on the training ground and start making these games go our way. We have a good bunch of lads here, a young side who we’re encouraging to play good football.”

The home side started brightly but Uckfield took the lead against the run of play in the 23rd minute, Charlie Shearing scoring from close range after a mistake from keeper Harry Dye.

Chichester had looked the stronger side but the goal affected their confidence and they struggled to take control.

James Parsons nearly equalised with a delightful curling effort, but his shot hit the bar after good build-up play.

City started to look dangerous again with winger Tom Smith providing a constant threat down the wing, but again against the run of play Uckfield doubled their lead when defender Lee Jules scored with a thumping header from a free-kick.

City applied late pressure looking for a goal before half-time but they couldn’t get past Uckfield’s strong backline.

Chichester started the second half strongly but lacked the final ball.

Dan Potter was guilty of missing his side’s best chance - he could only direct his header straight at the keeper after being picked out with a great ball from Smith.

Captain Perry Northeast put in a man-of-the-match performance, leading by example and motivating his team, but although the strikers got into good positions they were unable to pull a goal back and the game finished 2-0.

Sherlock reflected on the season so far and said: “I’m happy with the way we’ve been playing so far but results haven’t gone our way.

“I do believe we’ll turn things around but we have to put the work in.”

Chichester’s visit East Grinstead Town on Saturday.

Chichester City: Dye, Smith, Northeast, Baker, Boniface, Potter, Hagan, Parsons, Taylor, Watts, Smith, Knight, Subs: Knight.

JOSH HARRISON