Hockey: Chichester lose to Fareham, but survival's in their sights

Fareham are pushing for a second-place finish in the league while Chichester are fighting to retain their place in the national league.

Chichester started brightly with the frontline of Martin Gough, Andrew Sparshott and Luke Emmett causing Fareham problems, but they were unable to capitalise on half chances.

Fareham started to find their footing and push Chichester back, coming close on a couple of occasions.

The second half again saw Chichester come out the blocks quickly and they soon won a penalty corner through Matt Cox, but they were unable to convert it.

Fareham pushed forward and an aerial ball found its way to a Fareham forward who calmly worked it around goalkeeper Maciej Pacanowski for a 1-0 lead.

Chichester continued to press forward but were well-contained by a stubborn defence. Subsequently Chichester became frustrated and found themselves 2-0 down through a well-worked penalty corner.

The goal of the day followed when the ball was fired into the Chichester D and a Fareham forward expertly deflected the ball into the roof of the net. Chichester demonstrated heart and desire to the very end.

Jack Lerwill was brought down by the keeper with minutes to go and Gough converted the penalty stroke. A minute later Chichester won a second penalty stroke when Ollie Baxter’s shot found a defender’s foot on the lint but this was well saved by Fareham’s ex-international goalkeeper George Harris.

Chichester were disappointed not to have played as well as they can but Fareham deserved the three points.

With four games to go Chichester are four points adrift at the bottom – but their next two games are against fellow strugglers.

Survival is in Chichester’s hands but three points is a must on Sunday at Guildford.

CHICHESTER: Pacanowski, Henn, Brook, Palmer, Emery, Sewell, Lerwill, Cox, Thakore, Sparshott, Gough, Emmett, Baxter, Pendle.

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