Hockey: Bromley bring Chichester back to earth

Chichester have had plenty to celebrate this season - but they were beaten by Bromley and Beckenham Picture by Chris Hatton

Men’s Conference East

Chichester just failed to make it five wins from their opening five games.

They started brightly by moving the ball quickly and creating gaps in the BB defence.

Chichester took the lead after 15 minutes as a quick counter-attack led to the ball falling to Connor McLaughlin, who tapped in.

Chichester continued to press forward and could have doubled the lead on a couple of occasions but for some sloppy decision making.

The second half was a different story as BB pressed forward and started putting Chichester under pressure.

Chichester dropped deeper and deeper into their own half. BB started creating chances and soon got back on level terms.

Although a debatable penalty corner decision was given a well-worked routine ended with the ball in the Chichester goal.

With five minutes to go Chichester could have snatched it but for a fine save by the BB goalkeeper. However BB took their chance in the dying minutes to win an entertaining encounter 2-1.

Although it was a disappointing loss, Chichester know they were not at their best but still competed to the very end.

Four wins out of the opening five games is a very strong position for newly-promoted Chichester, who will be keen to bounce back at home to West Herts on Sunday (Oct 19) in a 1.30pm push-back at Kingsham.

CHICHESTER: Godsmark, Henn, Brook, G Cox, Spear, Sewell, Lerwill, M Cox, Thakore, Blakesley, Sparshott, Gough, McLaughlin, Emmett, Baxter.

Chichester Centurions 1 Bognor Town Ladies 7

Looking to cement their place at the top of division one, Bognor started strongly and within two minutes were awarded a penalty corner, which Charlotte Cox slotted home with her usual aplomb.

Bognor’s midfield of Sara Coulson, Theresa Cooper, Cox and Sue Perry worked tirelessly, keeping possession and feeding the ball towards the forwards, with Karen Harmer making some strong attempts on goal.

The pressure on the Centurions defence paid dividends and Bognor were awarded another three penalty corners, which Cox converted, sending the ball goalbound and smashing against the back board on each occasion.

Nifty stick-work by Theresa Cooper saw her pass to a waiting Karen Harmer in the D and she flummoxed the keeper by flicking the ball past her.

Centurions started the second half well and pulled one back with a solo goal by one of their forwards. Lily Morris, Bognor’s outstanding new young goalkeeper, had no chance.

The Bognor defence of Debbie Cox, Helen Arnold and Kim Agate used close marking and tackling skills to keep out the opposition.

Emma Hunt was strong in defence and dispossessed Centurions at each attempt, winning the ball and feeding it forward to Charlotte Cox, Vanessa Green and Nadia Muncey.

Play was held up by torrential rain and hail but when it restarted, Bognor were awarded a further penalty corner which was again converted by Cox.

The last goal was scored by Harmer, who, having collected the ball from a pass by Charlotte Cox, dodged the keeper and tapped it over the line.

Player of the match was Emma Hunt.

BOGNOR: Theresa Cooper, Charlotte Cox, Karen Harmer, Debbie Cox, Sara Coulson, Nadia Muncey, Lily Morria (gk), Emma Hunt, Vanessa Green, Helen Arnold, Kim Agate, Sue Perry, Danielle Hannam, Clare McKnight.

Brighton and Hove III 5 Chi Priory Park Ladies II 0

Chi travelled to top side Brighton and Hove knowing they were in for a tough encounter.

Brighton had the faster, fitter players and Chi were always on the back foot. The home side went 1-0 up after about ten minutes.

Chi tried to break out but were soon put under pressure once again and the home team scored their second and a third despite Chichester trying to pass the ball around.

The Chi goalie did well to save a one on one but just before half-time the home side scored the fourth.

The second half saw Chichester improve but Brighton scored their fifth halfway through the second half.

CHI PP: Claire Young, Tina Keartland, Caroline Burley, Tracy Austin, Sarah Pack, Meg Goring, Rachael Trent, Jenny Horton , Damelza Peak, Lyndsay Hudson, Jenna Greenway, Emma Bennison.

Middleton Ladies 2 South Saxons 1

Middleton ladies continued their winning streak against South Saxons.

Their defence were forced to work hard under immense pressure and defend numerous shots on goal.

Middleton’s goals were scored by Jen Langmead and Rachel McCartain.

Hattie Taylor was voted woman of the match at the end of a hard-fought and well deserved victory.