City and Eastbourne can't be split by points or goals... Lions on a roll

Here are the details from the sides’ ongoing bid to win promotion to next season’s rejigged Bostik League.

A fiery but goalless encounter between Chichester City and Eastbourne Town – two sides level on points near the top of the SCFL premier division – was played out in difficult conditions as the Beast from the East returned.

Referee Jonathan Wilks brandished a number of yellow cards and Chichester’s Kieran Hartley was shown a straight red with 15 minutes to go.

In the fourth minute the visitors had a penalty shout dismissed after a strong tackle by Scott Jones on the edge of the box.

At the other end Kaleem Haitham’s shot from the edge of the box was wide.

Eastbourne’s Aaron Capon chose to cross when he perhaps should have shot before Ruben French sent in a free-kick that was just too high for Jimmy Wild.

Wild broke down City’s left flank but was unable to pick out Jones or Haitham in the centre.

Left-back French put in a teasing ball which Dan Hegarty met, but the midfielder’s header skimmed narrowly wide.

In the 20th minute Capon crossed for Evan Archibald, who struck the crossbar with a curling effort.

Wild set up Jones, but he could only direct his shot at Greg Nessling – before Dave Herbert was denied by the visiting keeper.

In the 40th minute it was City’s turn to hit the woodwork as French put in a quality delivery which Hegarty powered on to the bar only to watch it agonisingly bounce down but not over the line.

Hegarty had the first effort of the second half but his goalbound shot was blocked by Town’s defensive wall after more encouraging play by Jones and Wild.

French went on a strong run in the 54th minute and Chi keeper Ant Ender had to save from Capon as Town pressed.

The visitors had another penalty appeal turned down and City captain Jack Lee had to make two crucial tackles.