Chichester were quickly into their stride with a couple of early corners thro Josh Clack, both taken by Seb Bos in the Anvils’ goal, come 7 mins and Chichester went in front from a midfield break to Dave Herbert who cut inside to prod past Bos and open the Chichester account. 0-1 Chichester.

After this early reversal, the Anvils started to get their act together, with first a Williams Peauroux free kick being pushed clear by keeper Ant Elder, but on 9 mins Lee Thomas restored parity when on a run down the left flank, he then cut inside to blast past the exposed Elder. 1-1. Thomas then had another chance to add to his tally when receiving a cross from Josh Martin, but this time his header just drifted over the bar.

For Chichester on 17 a fierce cross by Clack was headed over by Scott Jones and further corners by Clack were then safely gathered by Bos. Both sides took turns to try to find that elusive second goal, with first a Peauroux cross being nodded over by Michael Belli, and just after another charge and shot by the same player was just wide of the target. Chichester finished off the first half proceedings with Harry Williams shooting well wide, followed by Jones again bringing Bos into action, as half time was reached. HT 1-1.

For the second half Sam Packham joined the fray, but within 10 mins suffered a 'yellow' for an innocuous challenge. Nick Sullivan having a quiet game was then able to break thro, but his shot was taken by Elder, come the hour and a Pelling free kick from the halfway line was again gathered by the Chichester keeper.

The visitors were still looking dangerous on the break, with the pace of Clack and Jones plus Herbert, but generally the Anvil defence despite the flurry of crazy cards were holding up well against the odds stacked before them.

Come 70 and Sam Cane joined the action and minutes after the Anvils finally got their noses in front, when Sullivan out right then slipped the leash to set up the waiting Russell Malton to fire home. 2-1 Anvils.

Malton himself then received a second yellow after again a questionable foul and the Anvils were down to 10. Now Chichester saw their chance to raise the ante, and with the clock showing 90+3, finally drew level in somewhat dubious circumstances as Bos appeared to be fouled whilst plucking the ball out of the air and as the ball was dropped to Chichester’s Jones, his shot was saved by Williams Peauroux standing on the goal line. With the Anvils claiming a foul on the keeper before the referee pointed to the penalty spot, but then having discussed with his assistant, it was decided the ball had crossed the goal line previous to the handling incident. To the astonishment of all and sundry a goal was given and Peauroux was given a second yellow and Bos also a caution. Anvils down to nine. FT 2-2.

Team: Seb Bos, Russell Malton, Josh Martin, Williams Peauroux, Blair Cooney, Marc Pelling, Kieran Greig (Oli Leslie), Michael Belli, Nick Sullivan, Oli Leslie (Sam Cane), Lee Thomas.

MOM: Michael Belli. Gate: 64

Author: Mike May