38 Sport
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Friday, April 7, 2017
Surprise defeat cannot keep Chi down in excellent season
f The Lions face a battle to finish fourth
CHICHESTER City will be looking to bounce back after suffering only their third league defeat of the season. THe Lillywhites have surprised many in the SCFL Premier this term and are currently sitting five points off the top in third position. Any hopes of a late-run at the title were dashed on Saturday after falling to a 1-0 defeat at strugglers Peachaven and Telscombe. Curtis Ford struck late for Haven to condemn Chi to their first defeat in five games. With second place Haywards Heath winning at league leaders Shoreham, the Lillywhites are now off the pace of the top two. But with those at Oaklands Park not applying for promotion to the Ryman League, much of the focus is on finishing this season strong and building again for the following term. Focus now switches to the remaining five games of the season - starting tomorrow with a trip to Gorings Mead as Chi visit Horsham YMCA (3pm). Miles Rutherford's side will go into the match with confidence after beating YM 2-1 in the reverse fixture in October at Oaklands, Josh Clack and Joshua Case getting the goals.
Pagham push on for fourth Sids strike late to secure a draw Ne
PAGHAM'S search for consistency continues as the Lions once again failed to turn pressure into three points. Mark Bennett's side have been through a topsy-turvy year in the SCFL Premier. THe good news is that the Lions have reached their first final in more than a decade. But, for a club which has ambitions of promotion to the Ryman League, the current league position of fourth is not as good as many would hope. Pagham now have five games left - plus that cup final against Haywards Heath on May 1 - to secure a top four finish and look ahead to next season. THe run-in starts tomorrow when they welcome Crawley Down Gatwick to Nyetimber Lane (3pm). THe young Lions side will be keen to show Bennett that he can rely on them to push Pagham on after what has been a difficult year. Last Saturday's match against Newhaven was systematic of the troubles they have faced. In front of a decent home crowd, the Lions scored early - a sublime Scott Murfin
free-kick was arrowed towards Callum Overton who made no mistake heading over Jake Buss in the visitors' goal. But, as has been the case for most the season, the Lions failed to make the most of the lead and a Lee Robinson strike ensured the Dockers headed back east with a point. It could have been worse for the Lions as Robinson had earlier missed a penalty which, if converted, would have condemned Pagham to an unfortunate defeat. THe game summed up the issue for Bennett's side. Since the turn of the year, Pagham have been completely inconsistent. THey have won seven, drawn three and lost six of their 16 games in all competitions. For a team that had hoped to be pushing for promotion, many at Nyetimber Lane will admit they have been disappointed. If there is a glimmer of light, it is with the youth set-up. THis week Pagham's under21s reached the final of their age group cup after a 2-1 win over Shoreham.
f Pagham were held to a 1-1 draw against Newhaven
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SIDLESHAM struck late to complete a remarkable comeback and keep their fading title hopes alive - just. THe SCFL Division Two side have been hot on the tails of Bosham all season in the hunt for the championship. But recent slip has left the Sids off the pace. With just three games left of the season, they sit in third, eight points behind their local rivals. Manager Daren Pearce must have thought his side had given up all hope as they fell twonil down to Upper Beeding on Saturday.
f Chi are full of cheer in one of their best ever seasons
But a remarkable comeback in the last two minutes saw the Sids peg back Beeding - first through Dan Bassil, then a last minute effort from Dale Hayes. THe draw keeps Sids third. But with Bosham still to visit the Rec on Easter Monday, Pearce's side are still mathematically in with a shot at the title. First, though, they must beat second-placed Jarvis Brook on the road tomorrow (3pm). A win for the Sids would suit Bosham fine, who are level on points but with two games in
f Sids celebrate equalising against Upper Beeding
hand on Brook. THe Robins have had a week off but return to action tomorrow, welcoming Roffey to Walton Lane (3pm). THe sides last met a fortnight ago when they played out a 0-0 draw. Elsewhere in SCFL Division One, Selsey's late season surge continues after a 5-1 win against surprise package Steyning Town. Goals from Tom Groom, Ryan Morey (2), Bradley Dean and Matthew Boulton sealed all three points for the Blues. Steve Bailey's side currently seventh in the table but are closing the gap on sides like fifthplaced Steyning, who have played four games more than them. Selsey have a tough match tomorrow, though, as they host second-placed Saltdean United (3pm). THe Tigers will no doubt be celebrating after securing promotion last weekend following a 5-0 home win against Seaford Town. In the FA Women's Premier League Division One (south west), it's D-Day for Chichester City Ladies. THe Green and White Army have been top of the table for most of the season winning 15 of their 16 league games so far. On Sunday, they welcome second-place Plymouth Argyle to Oaklands Park (2pm) knowing that a win over their closest rivals would all but seal the title for Chi.
Trophy success for Felpham youngsters THE FUTURE looks bright for these Bognor youngsters, pictured right, as they lifted their first piece of silverware. After some great performances from every team involved, Felpham Colts Youth Under 8s emerged as the winners of the Blackbird Cup. THe final, played at Shrubbs Field in Middleton, saw the youngsters overcome Chichester Under 8s 7-3. In what was an excellent team performance, Boris Kowelczyk and Jude Donovan both bagged a brace. THe other goals were scored by Teddy Stairs, Max Chester and Zeb Lawson. THe rest of team was made up of Lewis Aldred, Tobias Harwood, Aime Chiddle, Eli Yambo and Lennon Pye. It marks a successful year for Felpham Colts
FC, which offers football for players from under-6 right through to adults. THe club provides football for all those in the area who want to play, regardless of their ability. Its aim is to help all those that want to play to have fun, make friends, learn to play the game and learn to love playing the game, in a safe and progressive environment. It is a busy time for the club as on June 3 and 4 it will host its annual six-a-side tournament. Now in its 20th year, last year saw more than 200 participants take part. Building on the success of previous years and with 19 years of tournament experience, those taking part can expect to have a great time with picnics and gazebos just as common a sight as footballs.
f Felpham Colts Youth under-8s
AF TOM