Match Report
Brighton Charity Cup
 Chichester City United Lafferty 5 Muffin 87 |
 Horsham YMCA 3 Kirkwood 84 |
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Source: Allan Norbury, West Sussex County Times |
JOHN Suter admitted his Horsham YMCA side got what they deserved after they were outfought by Chichester City United in the second round of the Brighton Charity Cup, losing 2-1,
Before the game, Suter had said he wanted to meet Horsham in the final of the competition - but from the first whistle, it was evident City were not prepared to let that happen.
A goal from Jake Lafferty after just five minutes set the tone for an all action display from the home side which knocked YM out of their stride.
Scott Kirkwood levelled on 84 minutes with a flying header, but could not take the tie into extra time as Scott Murfin struck three minutes later to ensure the cup holders progressed.
Suter said: "I think Chichester played very well. They were faster than us, tougher than us. We got what we deserved.
"We had four players out, but the whole team were first team squad members, there is no excuse, the side we had out tonight should have been capable of doing better."
Suter rang the changes as Jamie Lovegrove came in for Nick Levett, Eddie Achoko for Dan Sackman, Richard Greenfield reclaimed his spot on the wing and Pat Massaro and Steve Davies were paired up front, but it was hardly a weak side.
County League Division 1 side Chichester were quickly into their rhythm, hustling YM out of possession and looking dangerous up front. It wasn't long before the hosts were ahead, a flowing move was finished off by striker Lafferty to stun the visitors.
Big Chichester front man Steveii Boston typified their efforts, not only dotninatihg the aerial duels with Ellis Hooper and Glen Woodburn, but dropping back into mid-field to deliver some crunching tackles.
With plenty of pace up front, City sprung many of the attacks when play broke down in the unusually uncompeti-tive YM midfield.
Kirkwood was introduced for the injured Jose Goncalves after the break, and his presence did perk YM up, but they were stuck in rut.
Russell Hardwell caused his fair share of problems also, as he found space in behind Lovegrove and the Chichester midfield were able to pick him out every time.
YM gained reward for some pressure on 84 minutes, Davies crossed for Kirkwood to meet the ball with a flying header and level the scores. Chichester were incensed as they felt a free kick should have been awarded in the build up.
But they responded three minutes later. Boston chased a ball into the left back channel and his cut back was met at pace by Murfin to see City through.
Man of the match: Steve Davies - ran hard against muscular opposition.
Magic moment: Scott Kirkwood's goal lifted YM out of the mundane.
YM (4-4-2): Ruddy; Garden, Hooper, Woodburn, Lovegrove; Greenfield, White, Achoko (Grant 69), Goncalves (Kirkwood 45); Massaro (Taylor 75), Davies.