It's advantage Chichester in relegation play-offs

Martin Gough was a key player for Chichester at Wakefield / Picture by Neil Marshall

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Chichester triumphed 4-1 at Wakefield in the first of two relegation play-off matches.

Their victory in Yorkshire means they can secure their place in the National League for another season if they beat Bromley and Beckenham in Saturday’s midday showndown at Kingsham.

If they lose or draw, the issue of which one team stays up and which two go down will be decided when B&B play Wakefield on Sunday week.

Both teams started tentatively but soon Chichester started to dominate as the midfield of Luke Emmett, Jack Lerwill and particularly Alex Thakore were picking off the Wakefield midfield and pushing Chichester forward.

The frontline of Andrew Sparshott, Martin Gough and Matt Cox were causing havoc in the Wakefield back-line. Chichester’s domination soon showed on the scoresheet when Gough hit the post and Sparshott pounced to expertly follow up and send the ball into the roof of the goal.

Chichester were soon two up when a well-worked attack led to Gough scoring the goal of the game with an upright reverse shot into the bottom corner.

Five minutes before the break, Chichester made it three when Ben Palmer converted a penalty corner with a well-finished drag flick. The Chichester back-line of Kieran Henn, Matt Sewell, Ben Palmer and Dan Brook ensured Chichester went into the break 3-0 up.