Chichester take the spoils to go top

League newcomers Chichester City usurped their hosts at the top of the South East Division with this well fought win at Badgers Sports Club.
A third consecutive away victory saw The Chi rise to the summit courtesy of first half goals from Jimmy Wild and Gicu Iordache as their impressive pressing game stifled any attacking threat from The Millers.
This much anticipated encounter between last seasons South East Counties Leage Champions and the Southern Combination League winners burst into life as early as the third minute, when Chi winger Kaleem Haitham brought a flying save out of Millers custodian Andy Walker, before the resultant corner found Millers right wing back Denzil Gayle whose flying run put the vistors defence under pressure.
It wasn't long before the visitors took the lead when, following another flying save from Walker from the excellent Josh Clack's header, a deep cross from Robert Hutchings was headed back across goal for Wild to head home.
Chichester were dominating posession with their fine pressing game, with skipper Lloyd Rowlatt in superb form.
With Hutchings continuing to fire in a series of dangerous looking crosses, Chi extended their lead when Iordache had a 20 yard drive deflected in off Walker's post.
With Chichester defender Ben Pashley dominating Millers striker Dominic Ogun in the air, Chichester were looking comfortable at the break.
The Millers replaced Ogun with Emmanuel Oloyede on the hour and Millers began to look a more potent threat, with strike partner Francis Babalola working tirelessly.
But much as Cray Valley pushed on, they were countered by a strong, well organised Chichester rearguard.
On the counter attack, Chichester remained a constant threat with a multitude of excellent crosses from the outstanding Clack to the head of Wild,who kept Walker on his toes all afternoon, the latter hitting Walker's left hand post with an 81st minute drive.

Report by Richard Green

Match Photos
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